[43M] Experiencing panic attacks and sleep disturbances with additional symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Sleep Apnea: This is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Symptoms include gasping for air during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headache, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

  • Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and changing sleep positions. Medical devices like CPAP machines or oral appliances designed to open the throat can also be used. Surgery is also an option in some cases.

• Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral changes lasting at least a month and ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks.

  • Treatment typically includes psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be particularly effective.

• Vestibular Migraine: This is a type of migraine that may or may not cause a headache, but can include a variety of debilitating symptoms affecting the ears, vision and balance. It is the second most common cause of vertigo.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to relieve acute attacks, prevent headaches, and to prevent episodes of vertigo.

• Lyme Disease: This is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. The first symptom is usually a rash, which may look like a bull's eye. As the infection spreads, you might have a fever, a headache, muscle and joint aches, a stiff neck, and fatigue.

  • Treatment is with antibiotics.

What you can do

1. Consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.
2. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help your body's internal clock get back on track.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can interfere with sleep.
4. Practice good sleep hygiene. This includes keeping your bedroom dark and quiet, using your bed only for sleep or sex, and keeping electronics out of the bedroom.
5. Consider seeking help from a mental health professional for your panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be particularly effective.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
• If your panic attacks become more frequent or severe
• If you're feeling suicidal or thinking of harming yourself
• If you're unable to work or carry out your usual daily activities because of your symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and condition more thoroughly.