Sleep panic attacks afflicts between 50 and 75 percent of people who have panic disorder. Having a panic attack during broad daylight is awful, but having an attack at night is even scarier.
In the dark, things can often be more disconcerting, especially if you are by yourself. I reckon that most people, even those who do not suffer from panic attacks, have had their night's sleep troubled by some fear.
Under normal circumstances, the person has to switch on the lights and just look around the house to realize that there is nothing to feel afraid of. However, sleep panic attacks are different. This simple method does not do anything to drive away the fear.
Nonetheless, the symptoms of sleep panic attacks are same at the attacks that take place during the day. The person will experience accelerated heart rate, fast shallow breathing, tingling feeling in the arms and legs, and a sense of approaching catastrophe. In other words, the person will experience all the symptoms of a panic attack.
Some people might have the attack just as they are beginning to nod off, while others might have an episode from the blue while they are fast asleep.
If you are a victim of nocturnal panic attacks, then you should know that you can get over it. However, to be successful, you need certain tips and pointers.
The first step should be getting a thorough physical examination done by a doctor. Some physical conditions have the same symptoms as a panic attack. This way you can rule out any physical disorder. With night panic attacks, certain sleep issues like sleep apnea could be a cause for concern. It is quite possible that your doctor may recommend further tests done in a sleep lab.
Next, be certain your nighttime habits support a restful night's sleep. This means doing things like eliminating, or at least cutting way back, on stimulants like caffeine. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping and romantic activities. Don't do things like watching TV or reading in your bedroom. In addition, avoid looking at the news or watching upsetting movies or TV shows before you head to bed. If you have a panic issue the last thing you want to do is to fill your mind with such images before bedtime. You can find healthy sleeping habit ideas elsewhere.
The last step that you need to take is treatment for your disorder.
A night time anxiety episode is like any other panic attack except it occurs at night. Because it happens at night it may be more terrifying, but that doesn't affect the treatment plan. One thing that is slightly different is that if the night time episodes are fairly frequent, a physician may recommend a sedative at bedtime as a temporary measure while longer term treatments have a chance to take effect.
The only issue with taking sedatives to sleep is that they can affect your normal sleep patterns. Sleeping at night after taking an Ambien is not as relaxing as sleeping without a sleeping pill.
Another concern is that people can become dependent on them. You need to realize starting using these pills that it should only be short-term. Part of beginning therapy should include a plan of how long you're going to take the medicine and how you're going to come off it. - 30437
In the dark, things can often be more disconcerting, especially if you are by yourself. I reckon that most people, even those who do not suffer from panic attacks, have had their night's sleep troubled by some fear.
Under normal circumstances, the person has to switch on the lights and just look around the house to realize that there is nothing to feel afraid of. However, sleep panic attacks are different. This simple method does not do anything to drive away the fear.
Nonetheless, the symptoms of sleep panic attacks are same at the attacks that take place during the day. The person will experience accelerated heart rate, fast shallow breathing, tingling feeling in the arms and legs, and a sense of approaching catastrophe. In other words, the person will experience all the symptoms of a panic attack.
Some people might have the attack just as they are beginning to nod off, while others might have an episode from the blue while they are fast asleep.
If you are a victim of nocturnal panic attacks, then you should know that you can get over it. However, to be successful, you need certain tips and pointers.
The first step should be getting a thorough physical examination done by a doctor. Some physical conditions have the same symptoms as a panic attack. This way you can rule out any physical disorder. With night panic attacks, certain sleep issues like sleep apnea could be a cause for concern. It is quite possible that your doctor may recommend further tests done in a sleep lab.
Next, be certain your nighttime habits support a restful night's sleep. This means doing things like eliminating, or at least cutting way back, on stimulants like caffeine. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping and romantic activities. Don't do things like watching TV or reading in your bedroom. In addition, avoid looking at the news or watching upsetting movies or TV shows before you head to bed. If you have a panic issue the last thing you want to do is to fill your mind with such images before bedtime. You can find healthy sleeping habit ideas elsewhere.
The last step that you need to take is treatment for your disorder.
A night time anxiety episode is like any other panic attack except it occurs at night. Because it happens at night it may be more terrifying, but that doesn't affect the treatment plan. One thing that is slightly different is that if the night time episodes are fairly frequent, a physician may recommend a sedative at bedtime as a temporary measure while longer term treatments have a chance to take effect.
The only issue with taking sedatives to sleep is that they can affect your normal sleep patterns. Sleeping at night after taking an Ambien is not as relaxing as sleeping without a sleeping pill.
Another concern is that people can become dependent on them. You need to realize starting using these pills that it should only be short-term. Part of beginning therapy should include a plan of how long you're going to take the medicine and how you're going to come off it. - 30437
About the Author:
You can read about an excellent treatment program for panic attacks and especially nighttimepanic attacks at:Panic Away Review. And to learn more about panic attacks and the night visit:nighttimePanic Attacks
