Difficulty falling asleep with tightness

Good morning,

I have now been living with an anxiety disorder for around ten years which alternates between periods of remission and relapses. I would like to know if anyone here is experiencing or has experienced symptoms similar to mine.

When I'm going through a big relapse, sleeping or even taking a nap becomes almost impossible. As soon as I start to fall asleep, to “go away”, to “disconnect” (whatever the term is), I either wake up with a start or I feel a strong tightness in my chest. This sensation is difficult to locate precisely, but I would say it is located in the diaphragm, stomach or heart.

I wonder: is it possible that anxiety perceives sleep as a danger? That this transition, this moment when I begin to sink, be interpreted as a threat by my brain?

It’s a truly exhausting experience, both physically and mentally. It aggravates my anxiety and makes my daily life even heavier. I sometimes feel caught in a vicious cycle.

Anyway, is anyone here experiencing or has experienced the same thing? And if so, how do you manage these feelings?

Thank you for your feedback!