Can't Sleep, Scared to Die: Dealing with Sleep Anxiety

I had this happen for a few months a few years ago. Treating the anxiety with meds or therapy will definitely help but as you wait for those sorts of treatments to help you, I’d recommend listening to audio of scriptures, meditation, calming music, something that brings you peace whatever that is. I found that eventually those things would help me fall asleep although usually I was at the point of complete exhaustion but it helped me stay more calm than I was without it. I went through a period where I could only go to sleep listening to a comedy tv show too. Then I transitioned to calm music. Now I can sleep without anything but I use melatonin which helps a ton for me. I’ll be wide awake at 2 am and it helps me fall asleep so much faster

I would suggest a sleep study. I had very similar symptoms and had a sleep study done and was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and put onto a CPap machine. I now sleep much better.

You should download the app balance is a meditation app and they giving a year free. I been meditating for a bit now and it helps so much to clear my mind and sleep a bit better. I also use an ice pack on my chest to focus on the cold as the anxiety attack goes away.

Have you considered having a sleep study done? You could also see of you could find some kind of respiratory monitor. You're probably not likely to die suddenly but if its sleep apnea waking up repeatedly and having a lack of oxygen frequently can become an issue, and these kinds of breathing issues can be treated and monitored to avoid further complications. Plus having something there to monitor your vitals and/or wake you up could give you some peace of mind

I get this sometimes. What gets me through it is as simple as reminding myself that I haven't died in my sleep yet, and I've felt worse than I do now. So if feeling worse didn't kill me, this won't either. Try breathing exercises and challenging your negativity! I hope you feel better soon