by Dustpuppy » September 21st, 2005, 11:21 pm
I've had that panic gasp happen while laying flat too. Like you said, sitting up a bit seemed to help, may also try putting a pillow under your feet, and throwing down another rug or extra blankets if you are laying on the floor to put some cushion between you. Make sure your shirt doesn't constrict you anywhere when you lay down, and that whatever your head is on allows you to relax without putting your head too far back or your chin too far forwards. Im very new, but imagining the word 'breathe' suspended above my head and practicing regular in and out breaths while listening seems to have helped some already, too. Try to find a rythm in the background and tune your breathing to it. Try interlacing your fingers on your chest, so you can feel the rise and fall with your hands. Nasal congestion can make you breathe through your mouth and cause irregular breathing (I think I read that somewhere, I am not a doctor) so try to clean out as much as you can beforehand. Also try turning the thermostat down, and if you have a fan going, try not to have it pointing directly at your face.
I am definately not an expert, these were just problems I have encountered and what I have tried.