I completely understand where you are coming. I would say that the majority of my episodes are just what you described. Waking up instantly out of sleep with extreme n*. Then comes the uncontrollable shaking and panic, the dry mouth and racing heart. I often become very confused and disoriented also. It can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. The best thing that I have found to do is turn on the TV. I usually do CNN or FOX news. It helps to drawyouback to "reality" I guess I would call it. It's become acomfort thing to me.It's nice knowing that you're not the only one awake at 3 or 4 in the morning. It also helps to counteract the dark and lonely feeling that one usuallyfeelswhen an attack like this happens.
Youhave to try to wake yourself up mentally before you can really start to fight the symptoms. I find that sipping on ice water really helps, I usually won't swallow any,I just rinse my mouth and spit it out. It helps alleviate the dry mouth and the gagging that can come with it. Rinse your face with cold water repeatedly. It will help to cool your skin, remember to takedeep breaths in through your nose and breathe out slowly. And get some fresh air. A little walk around thebackyard and long deep breaths of fresh air can really slow down your heart and begin to relax you. Honestly this type of episode is probably the hardest for an emet to deal with. The unexpectedness of it is overwhelming alongwith themonstrous level of n* that comes with it. I went 3 years where this type of thing was a nightly occurrence. I knew it would happen and yetI still couldn't handle it. I tried to change my sleep pattern. But the same thing can happen even if you choose to sleep during the day.
A special thank you to my daughter Alyssa. Your strength and courage gives me great inspiration. Where I am weak, you are strong. I will always love you.