Trouble sleeping
 

Hi everyone,
Recently I was in a car accident and sustained a mild concussion and am currently recovering from post concussion symptoms. Well my doctor told me the only way to heal is to rest and not watch any tv or engage in any stimulating activities, both mental or physical. This means I've been stuck with my thoughts for days and being diagnosed with Generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive tendencies, it didn't take me long before I started ruminating and obsessing over my symptoms.

This of course led to anxious symptoms added to my concussion symptoms and now I'm basically a mess. But what's bothering me the most is right now when I go to bed, just as I'm falling asleep I will be woken by an electrical shock through my head and entire body. I assume this is my anxiety but when I go to bed I don't feel anxious. It does give me anxiety though because I'm a wreck if I can't get my sleep. And whenever I wake from one of these multiple episodes, I feel close to panic.

Does anyone else get these? How do you cope? Do you have any simple exercises?

Thanks,
S

Hello Scoots86: I don't know if what you're experiencing is similar to a myoclonic jerk. I experience these. Just as I'm falling asleep my whole body jerks... seemingly quite violently sometimes. Sometimes, as it occurs, I'll dream I'm falling. In my case, most times it doesn't seem to affect my sleep. Occasionally, however, I'll then have difficulty getting back to sleep.

As I understand it, in most cases, myoclonic jerks are harmless. Occasionally, I guess, they can be an indicator of a more serious condition. Since you had that car accident, it may be worth checking back with your doctor. I'm not aware of any exercises one can do to prevent these from occurring. From what I've read doctors aren't even sure why it is these happen. :)