1. Community
  2. Symptoms
  3. Sleep Problems

Brain zaps/adrenaline rushes while trying to fall asleep

Posted , 4 users are following.

Naturallifemomm
Naturallifemomm

i started having these brain zaps/adrenaline rushes while drifting off to sleep about Three months ago. It started around the same time as suddenly quit breast-feeding my son because my milk production was very low. Every time I am drifting into sleep I am jolted awake by a sudden zap in my chest, and brain, followed by an adrenaline rush to my whole body. It keeps me from falling asleep for about 3 to 4 hours, then I will eventually fall asleep, but not a three months ago. It started around the same time I suddenly quit breast-feeding my son because my milk production was very low. Every time I am drifting into sleep I am jolted awake by a sudden zap in my chest, and brain, followed by an adrenaline rush to my whole body. It keeps me from falling asleep for about 3 to 4 hours, then I will eventually fall asleep, but not a deep sleep. This happens when I try to nap in the daytime as well. I am wondering if it is hormonal due to starting after I quit breast-feeding, because hormones get completely out of whack after you quit breast-feeding. The only other time I have had this happen was six years ago when I with Drew from antidepressants. But I have not been on any since. Has anyone else experienced these, and found a solution ?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • michelle70460
    michelle70460 Naturallifemomm

    Posted

    Hi. This is a difficult one, but what was interesting was you mentioned you took antidepressants many years ago & when you went through withdrawal you got the zaps. Although you haven't been on these meds for a long time sometimes the side effects of these meds can come back even many years later. I'm not saying these are the cause but possibly. However, are you sleep deprived? due to having a baby, as sleep deprivation can cause strange things to happen. Are you under any stress or suffering anxiety? These to can cause odd things to happen to us when falling asleep. My advice is that although these 'zaps' are causing you distress they are harmless but if they continue i would advise you to see a doctor but my guess is, in time they will pass. Being sleep deprived & stress & anxiety can do some very odd things to our bodies.

  • martin0840
    martin0840 Naturallifemomm

    Posted

    there is really no answer to most sleep problems , we are all different and what is one persons cure is another persons poison .

    i see the best way is no drugs plenty of exercise good diet and each person have different requirements for sleep . i am 74 and never needed much sleep also rarely tired .

  • lo65763
    lo65763 Naturallifemomm

    Posted

    hey hows it going? im dealing with the exact same thing...at times they feel mostly like body jerks or a startle response that starts in the chest or diaphragm area and keeps me from sleeping at all most nights. it is terrible. also, when and if i do sleep it is very fragmented and only one hour blocks where i only think ive been asleep bcs i vaguely rememebr a dream, although it feels mostly like light conscious sleep. i especially have the brain zaps i the morning or after a "dream". its very scary. have you gotten better? and if so, what helped you? im also curious if theres an anxiety link... i trok an ssri over a decade ago and had the zaps. and before my severe insomnia 5+months ago, i was once again having increasing anxiety and random (but no so bad) sleep disturbances

  • lo65763
    lo65763 Naturallifemomm

    Posted

    hey hows it going? im dealing with the exact same thing...at times they feel mostly like body jerks or a startle response that starts in the chest or diaphragm area and keeps me from sleeping at all most nights. it is terrible. also, when and if i do sleep it is very fragmented and only one hour blocks where i only think ive been asleep bcs i vaguely rememebr a dream, although it feels mostly like light conscious sleep. i especially have the brain zaps i the morning or after a "dream". its very scary. have you gotten better? and if so, what helped you? im also curious if theres an anxiety link... i trok an ssri over a decade ago and had the zaps. and before my severe insomnia 5+months ago, i was once again having increasing anxiety and random (but no so bad) sleep disturbances

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.