[JoAnnPeeler]

For the last 10-20 years of my life I have had bouts of panic attacks at night which keep me from sleeping. These have often kept me from sleeping at all and often continue until I can find some way to break the cycle. Often my body becomes so exhausted due to lack of sleep that I will just pass out at some point. I've tried all kinds of things to limited success (i.e. listening to music, the TV, trying to sleep in a recliner, taking warm showers or even inflicting pain on myself and the only thing that has had really effective outcomes was the use of a narcotics or benzodiazepines. Unfortunately (or fortunately) doctors have been highly reluctant to prescribe the drugs I've mentioned so for the most part I just suffer. However, last night I was at my wits end and had the idea of getting out one of my saxophones (in this case the soprano) and just playing. I've never done this before at 2-3am in the morning because I was worried about my sound carrying to my neighbors (I live in a single family home and my neighbors homes are probably around 20-30 feet away). But last night I was desperate and I started practicing my soprano and guess what? It worked! My mind shifted into another mode and eventually my normal drowsiness took over and I was able to go to bed and sleep. It was a good sleep too and I didn't wake until 9am this morning. Was this a fluke? I don't think so. I've always felt like my brain had entered a state that I just couldn't get out of -- at least until the next morning. It seems like practicing focused my mind enough that I was able to break out of that state. I'll keep trying it and see how it goes. Hopefully my neighbors cannot hear me, but at this point I'm willing to risk it. If it keeps working who knows, maybe the saxophone is the cure for panic attacks!

 

[Dr G]

That makes good sense. Compared to the other distractions you cite, practicing can provide single point focus, much like mindfulness meditation. In my experience, practicing the more can be more akin to walking meditation, and works well. I often find even strenuous practice to have a long lasting relaxing effect on me.

I am glad to hear that it can provide you relief.

All the best to you and yours,

George

 

[JoAnnPeeler]

That makes good sense. Compared to the other distractions you cite, practicing can provide single point focus, much like mindfulness meditation. In my experience, practicing the more can be more akin to walking meditation, and works well. I often find even strenuous practice to have a long lasting relaxing effect on me.

It makes sense to me as well, I just hope that it continues to be effective. I often develop an "immunity" to whatever I try. But combining a physical AND mental diversion may be a better remedy than just one type. Thanks for your kind words.

 

[malteof]

Agreeing with Dr G above.

I'm sorry you've had to endure these panic attacks, but glad you've found something that works. I would suggest also looking into mindfulness meditation, as mentioned above, as well as CBT if you haven't already tried it.

Hang in there!

 

[JoAnnPeeler]

I would suggest also looking into mindfulness meditation, as mentioned above, as well as CBT if you haven't already tried it.

Yep, thanks for those suggestions. I will definitely look into them if practicing turns out not to be the panacea I'm hoping for. I hoping it does though. Having another reason to practice will help me accomplish my goals on sax as well!

 

[Dr G]

CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy

 

[JoAnnPeeler]

CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy

Yeah, I had to lookup that acronym but when I saw the definition I thought it could be effective for me. I'll see how practicing works for now. Maybe I will move my regularly scheduled practice sessions immediately before I go to bed. Hopefully I can minimize the early morning sessions for my neighbors sake.

 

[Fader]

That makes good sense. Compared to the other distractions you cite, practicing can provide single point focus, much like mindfulness meditation. In my experience, practicing the more can be more akin to walking meditation, and works well. I often find even strenuous practice to have a long lasting relaxing effect on me.

I am glad to hear that it can provide you relief.

All the best to you and yours,

George

It's going to be a short thread because you figured it out....and the good Dr G confirmed it! Congratulations

 

[lesacks]

I'm sure we're all sympathetic to your stress and glad - very - that you found a source of relief that is so positive.

Think about not giving up on seeking expert help as well, it may be easier to, maybe, look at underlying problems when you're not stressed by the immediate symptoms.

Either way, keep well.

 

[malteof]

CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy

Yeah, I had to lookup that acronym but when I saw the definition I thought it could be effective for me. I'll see how practicing works for now. Maybe I will move my regularly scheduled practice sessions immediately before I go to bed. Hopefully I can minimize the early morning sessions for my neighbors sake.

Thanks Dr G, and apologies - I should've spelled it out.

It's the only(?) form of scientifically proven therapy. It works and is especially geared to help people with your problem.

 

[musekatcher]

I've suffered from insomnia, due to a hyperactive tendency. A technique that works, is to condition your body with a trigger for sleep. If you have a ritual that goes with pre-sleep, eventually your body will become trained to trigger sleep when the ritual is present. Examples are reading BOOKS [not LCD computer screens], a warm beverage, a bath or shower, solitude and quiet, etc. You have to perform it everytime, and eventually you will associate that activity with sleep, and the body will respond. I personally have a bourbon every night and read a bit before I go to sleep, even if I'm already sleepy. It works.

 

[JoAnnPeeler]

I've suffered from insomnia, due to a hyperactive tendency. A technique that works, is to condition your body with a trigger for sleep. If you have a ritual that goes with pre-sleep, eventually your body will become trained to trigger sleep when the ritual is present. Examples are reading BOOKS [not LCD computer screens], a warm beverage, a bath or shower, solitude and quiet, etc. You have to perform it everytime, and eventually you will associate that activity with sleep, and the body will respond. I personally have a bourbon every night and read a bit before I go to sleep, even if I'm already sleepy. It works.

Is insomnia and panic attacks related? In my case I am VERY sleepy, but my body is in flight mode -- especially when I lay down. I think there is potential to your suggestion if only to condition my response.

 

[1saxman]

Glad your soprano playing puts you to sleep! Mine makes people jump off buildings!

 

[JoAnnPeeler]

Glad your soprano playing puts you to sleep! Mine makes people jump off buildings!

LMAO. No one else loves my soprano playing as much as me. Certainly not my neighbors!! Luckily in Florida we don't have too many tall buildings.

 

[lostcircuits]

LMAO. No one else loves my soprano playing as much as me. Certainly not my neighbors!! Luckily in Florida we don't have too many tall buildings.

You mean it would carry even further? Like in 22nd floor rooftop serenade for soprano? And all of a sudden there was an unprecedented flamingo stampede

 

[snazandmatt]

Thanks for sharing, Jo. Saxophone practice does wonders for my mental health as well.

If you haven't already seen it, have a look at Mikaelia (sp?) Peterson's recent interview of her dad, Dr Jordan Peterson.

His experience with benzos is truly horrifying and a cautionary tale.

 

[Figaro]

I had a lot of anxiety attacks in my 30s. I would sometimes just put on some music, plug on my bass and just play to calm down. Worked every time. When it happens, it's a cascade of chemicals in your body that are part of the fight or flight reaction. You need something to do with all of it; the racing heartbeat, the nervousness, the racing thoughts in your head. Playing music has always done it for me. It's the perfect antidote.
I'm 60 now and the anxiety is not so prevalent anymore. Hardly ever do I have an issue.

Keep on playing!! Be well.

 

[click]

Music has wonderful powers.

It is inspiring to hear how people have harnessed those powers to improve their lives.

My own best example has been anger management.

A combination of physical exercise and sax playing was my most effective treatment.

(Since I retired I simply no longer get that angry.)

 

[soybean]

How wonderful that the saxophone cured you.

Two of my friends have had success using a product made from marijuana. Does not have have any psychedelic effects.