3am Anxiety after AFib diagnosis

Honestly, I can empathize. When I learned I have AF (the medical community's preferred abbreviation), I was greatly dismayed and alarmed. However, my personality also compels me to learn all I can to stay on top of 'myself', no matter what about myself is troubling me or going wonky. I began to read research articles in NEJM, NIH, BMJ, PubMed, etc, and to watch educational videos on YouTube meant for nurses and MDs. Yes, they're there, with all the details and science you want, both the research papers and the videos.
Eventually I learned that AF won't kill you/us. It can be highly symptomatic and feel awful, frightening even. You'd be surprise to learn that many patients have no idea because they are asymptomatic. They only learn that they've been fibrillating for some time at an annual checkup. !! You and I, we KNOW....and we don't like it.
To repeat, AF won't kill you. It can lead to other cardiomyopathy, but that's down the road a ways. Meanwhile, if you get it managed with the help of a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist (you should google that), you can stave off the further problems indefinitely. So, do see that cardiologist, do get it managed with medicine initially, and then ask to see an EP (electrophysiologist) who will know if/how to do minor day surgery to quell your fibrillation. The technique is called 'catheter ablation' and has been around for donkey's years now. You EP will tell you if he/she thinks you're a good candidate.
Talking about your new discovery/diagnosis with a friend who is patient enough to let you rattle on a while will help you to let some pressure out. But self-education will by far be your best antidote to your anxiety and loss of sleep.

Thanks so much for your reply. The anxiety is awful. I know that I need to learn more for sure. I can’t wait to finally see my cardiologist whenever that may be. Unfortunately the anxiety is getting the better of me. It’s that constant butterflies/shaking feeling. I’m so tired because I wake up at 3 with the shakes and can’t sleep. And it really doesn’t subside for a few hours. I know once I get a handle on AF I will win the anxiety battle but it’s ahead in the race at the moment.

I had the same apprehension but I started taking Magnesium twice a day and my Afib went away. Gone for over a year now. Magnesium citrate in the day time and Magnesium glutamate at night before bed. It worked for me.. Joan Rhodes

Thanks Joan!

Talk to God about it. He knows everything about you and more than any doctor on earth. Put the whole mess in His hands. Give Him your fears and talk honestly with Him. It is amazing what He can do. I just got rid of a two week tizzy, not physical but can affect physically. I was a basket case much of the time. Just a few minutes ago, He answered my prayers and turned everything around and got rid of it like a bout of gas.

Please try this:
At bedtime, breathe in slowly, filling your diaphragm first, then your upper chest. Exhale slowly. Repeat for a total of 5 times.
Next, visualize your 4 heart chambers healing themselves (direct your mind/your control center, to send healing electrochemical signals to your heart). Your mind is sending electrochemical signals all the time, so why not orchestrate the signals?
Finally, do well wishing for all of your loved ones and good friends, as you calmly visualize each one. Well-wishing is a great source of relaxation, as you think about others.
Good night.
Regards,
Sagan
PS. Read "The AFIB Cure".

Thanks Sagan . I will try this. 🙏