Good morning. Yesterday, I had and episode of what I think is a panic attack.The same thing has happened about a year ago, at the end of the school year /beggining of summer vacation (i'm finishing college).
The first time, when I was about to fall asleep or even asleep, my heart starts beating faster and faster, out of nowhere. I felt like I was having a heart attack "how can this be? I'm a healthy 20 year old woman"- I though. I try do distract myself but it only gets faster. Then, I start feeling dizzy and tingly, like I'm going to pass out. I raced to my mom and said what I felt, but when she felt my pulse, she said it was normal. I sat down with my head between my legs until the dizziness passed (about 10- 15 min, I guess)
Yesterday, the same thing happened. I think it has happened once this october when I what hanging out with friends (the heart randomly racing and not stoping + dizinesss) but , somehow, I was able to manage it.
This IS NOT the same as that feeling of "falling down" before falling asleep and get scared. It lasts longer and I feel like i'm about to pass out.
Thank you for your answer
You may very likely have sleep apnea. And It is possible that your resting oxygen and respiration rate goes down while you are sleeping, and then your brain finally has to essentially kick you awake and you are gasping for air. Your heart is beating quickly also your brain is being starved of valuable oxygen.