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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> What do you do at 2am?
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Message started by jason on May 7^th, 2010, 7:42am

Title: What do you do at 2am?
Post by jason on May 7^th, 2010, 7:42am

Just wondered what on earth do you all do when you wake up frightened with palpatations etc at 2am and just cant get back to sleep?

I usually just like there and worry / monitor the symptoms. which is bad to do I know, but how can you not?

So glad I found the forum as I know have like minded people to talk too :)

Title: Re: What do you do at 2am?
Post by AliceB on May 7^th, 2010, 10:40am

Hi, I've had that happen, too, but more often when I lie down to read or sleep. I find that if I sit up for a minute or two and then lie back down gradually it helps sometimes. Also, many a night I got up and moved to the couch and slept in a semi-upright position. Position seems to affect mine quite a bit.

The worry, of course, makes it a viscious cycle because we produce more adrenalin and the PVC's get worse. SO, don't lie there and worry as that won't likely help. Move around a little or get a glass of warm milk and try the couch!

I won't tell you not to worry because that's hard when these just feel so scary. But, I think the words of explanation from RLR in this forum are a great comfort. I wish you well. AliceB

Title: Re: What do you do at 2am?
Post by RLR on May 7^th, 2010, 9:07pm

The occurence of palpitations or fast heart rate which awaken you and produce intense emotional fear are known as night terrors. They are no different than their waking counterpart.

It's important not to let the stillness of the early morning environment allow for rumination to set in, generally only serving to increase fears.

If you can't sleep, do not try to force yourself to do so. Engage in an activity such as reading a book or watching TV. Do not exercise. Once you begin to feel tired and relaxed again, go back to bed and try to sleep. If you must repeat the process, then do so. Generally, GI disturbances can produce pressure when lying down that increase the potential for palpitations or mild tachycardia to develop. It is not a sign of a problem at all.

Best regards and Good Health

Title: Re: What do you do at 2am?
Post by jason on May 9^th, 2010, 11:28am

Thank you very much - brilliant info again :)

My rumination is most likely the worst thing for keeping these palpatations going.

Title: Re: What do you do at 2am?
Post by emma09 on May 10^th, 2010, 12:24am

same as rlr said my therapist told me to do something vboring for ten minutes then try & go to sleep, repeat the process untill u finally do sleep :)