What Causes Recurrent Dreams Of Choking On Something?

Posted on Sat, 12 Dec 2015

Question: Psychological question concerning myself:
I have choking dreams. I don't know what causes them, but they feel so real that after I have swallowed an object in my dreams that I KNOW I would choke from, I snap myself out of it, but the choking sensation follows with me. It has caused me to shake a lot, numerous times after having those dreams I'm terrified to sleep again, and now its gotten to the point where my mind is making me feel like I'm sinking as I fall asleep and I get the uncontrollable urge to pull myself out by literally grabbing anything within reach, be it my computer, my girlfriend lying next to me, anything.
I don't know what I can do to make this part of myself end.
What can I do? Where do I go for something like this?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anxiety and altered sleep rhythm is the cause of symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. The symptoms you are having like weird dreams as if you have swallowed something in dreams and you would choke the something and then shakiness and choking sensation persist through out the day. Such symptoms are occurring due to anxiety post weird dreams. Such dreams can occur due to change in sleep architecture and anxiety. I'd advise you to consult a psychiatrist for evaluation of your symptoms and for treatment.

Medicines like Ramelteon can be used. The medicine will correct the altered sleep rhythm and will correct the choking sensation in sleep. Drugs like Agomelatin can also help. The drug helps to reduce the anxiety and thus will result in improvement of symptoms. So please consult a psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment of these symptoms.

Thanks. Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Concerning the psychiatrist to consult, I live in La Pine, Oregon - any recommendations for a low income individual like me? I just dunno where to look for this kinda stuff.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a GP first and if needed you will be referred to a Psychiatrist.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

First consult a GP and discuss about your symptoms. If needed they will refer you to a psychiatrist.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj