Hello Sharon. Welcome to DS.

Is that the same as, "Night Terrors?" At least that is what my shrinks called the psycho weirds I used to experience during that ethereal stage between wakefulness and sleep. For sure night terrors are suckus maximus.

Been some years since I have had them. (knock wood)

Very rarely just after going to sleep, but later in the night I sometimes get them - typically around 5am. They're normally accompanied by frightening dreams, heart pumping fast, wet pyjama trousers, and a feeling of extreme anxiety for no reason at all.
However, it has occasionally happened really early on just after going to sleep, and that means feeling tired next morning.

Not usually but I'd be happy to share the 2 instances in my life where it has happened :)

The first time I must've been around 8-10yo. I was sleeping with my nan and woke up basically in hysteria with breathing difficulties. Called an ambulance they settled me down and all was well soon after...

Then, at the start of 2019 I spent 2 nights in hospital due to an ongoing lower back problem with trapped nerves. Anyway, I woke up in the small hours if the night panicking hysterically, called the nurse because I was sweating so profusely I thought I'd wet the bed (for the record there was a small amount of bladder loss), woke up drenched in sweat with a very high temperature and blood pressure/pulse "through the roof", according to the nurse. Calmed down after about half an hour and they just put it down to stress since it was my first night in hospital and was told my condition could be more serious than I thought...

Sorry to ramble, so what happened with you?

It’s been happening for about two years. Shortly after I fall asleep, even if I try to nap in the afternoon I wake up with heart pounding. I tested all physical possibilities and they are negative.
Thanks everybody for your feedback.

Have you tried any psychotherapy tools for coping with it? There are tons available. I credit some of those tools for mine having gone away. (knock wood) I keep knocking wood because mine were horrific enough that ? ? ? well? ? ? just in case.

I have dreams aka nightmares where I know im awake but I'm frozen and can't move.
Yes! Heart pounding and head sweating! Sometimes I'm throwing up in my nightmare and I wake up gagging...not needing a c pap but it's still horrible.
I don't have them often soi just try to relax and go back to sleep.
I think my brain works overtime and only a missed sleeping helps but i don't like the fogginess the next day.
Sorry I'm not much help
But im praying for you.

I experience it at least 2 times a week but for me it is while I am sleeping. I wake up just like LisaLisa said. I wake up and worried like it is no tomorrow. The way I deal with it that helps the most is to pray about the situation I am worried about. It works the majority of the time when I am aware of the issue I am worried about. I take that time to praise God for listening to me first then I start praying for God to send my sons Guardian angel(s) and all the archangels that is necessary to protect my son in the spiritual and the physical. Since he lives with his dad I worry about him so much even though I know he is okay. Is there anything you currently do when it happens?

Thank you everyone. You are so kind and caring. I have tried everything. For now I just accept them and try not to beat myself up.

Try a sound machine for sleeping, might help.
Maybe try sleeping in a different bed, room, place.
Sleep apnea test?
Try the heavy blanket thing thats going around.
Could this be a medication side effect?
Try taking a short walk right before bed, get some air...

For me, it happens when I relive a past trauma or current anxiety that I have shelved during the day. Since I typically go from sleep to full awake so instantly, I don't know what prompted it. Like you, I have learned to accept that it occurs. The heavy quilt and keeping a fan going seems to help. I have found a channel that has shows that are comforting which I watch before going to sleep. You are so not alone in this. Comforting hugs.