Panic Attacks During Sleep
Do You Have Panic Attacks In Your Sleep?
Although nocturnal panic attacks can be tremendously disconcerting, there are very good preventions and treatments — ranging from medication to simple lifestyle changes — that can alleviate or eliminate these episodes for most people.
Panic attacks during sleep are less common than daytime ones, though panic attacks can happen at any time.
It may be a good idea for your to have a sleep assessment, where your sleep is analyzed for you. If there are any other problems you are having during sleep, they can be revealed during the sleep study.
Night Panic Symptoms
Suddenly waking up in a panic, for no obvious reason. If you wake up with some or all of the same symptoms you have during a daytime attack, including flushing, butterflies in your stomach, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. Some sufferers think they are experiencing a heart attack.
Panic attacks during the night may not last very long (could be as short as 5 minutes), it usually takes longer to regain your composure after the attack.
Causes and Related Conditions
Are you a light sleeper? Some research has shown that if you suffer from panic attacks (and chronic tension) you are easily awakened . You are experiencing (though you many not be aware of it) many times during the night actually coming out of non-REM sleep. These sleep interruptions are characterized by increase in pulse, clenching your teeth, and flushing. These partial awakenings may happen several times per minute!
Though behaviors during these sleep interruptions may be similar to REM sleep behavior disorders, they are actually occurring during non-REM sleep. (“REM” sleep is the deepest sleep, and is necessary for healthy body function.) Some have reported full blown panic with screaming and frantic behaviors, which can be quite serious if you do not wake up during the panic attack.
Some of the triggers that have been found to cause sleep panic attacks include:
Caffeine;
Sweets;
Stress and Anxiety;
Some types of sleep apnea, or Upper Airway Resistance syndrome
What Can Be Done To Treat Night Panic?
The simplest, short term answer is medication. Many sufferers are already taking something. However, there are other, more permanent changes that can be made to cure sleep panic.
A sleep study may be in order if you have a pattern of night panic attacks.
Caffeine may be causing your panic attacks during the night.
Candy and sugars can cause problems. Try cutting back on your sugar intake. This is general advice for getting a good night’s rest!
If you have identified other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, they should be treated. Upper airway resistance syndrome often is not detected when conventional sleep study methods are used – speak to your doctor about this and ensure that it is included in any evaluations made.
There are natural methods that can be used to help you control panic during sleep. Any practice that cuts down on stress is something to consider. This would include exercise (even just walking), self-hypnosis, yoga, and meditation. You may find that journaling helps.
You owe it to yourself to investigate the causes of your panic attacks, whether they are during the day, or while you sleep. I’ve outlined several possibilities for the causes, and the remedies. It’s up to you to take action. Talk with your doctor. Make a plan. And take that first step!
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This article is intended only to provide general information and is not intended as an exhaustive source of information. This website and this article do not replace your relationship with any health care professional you are consulting with or consult with in the future.
