Nighttime anxiety attacks affect between fifty percent and three-quarters of people who suffer from panic disorder. Having a panic episode in daylight is bad. Having one when you’re trying to sleep causes even more distress.
Things can be more upsetting in the dark. This is especially true if there’s no one else around. I believe everyone, even someone who don’t suffer from, has had a night’s sleep disturbed by fear.
For most people, just getting the lights on and checking things out eliminates the fear.
It’s not nearly so simple if your problem is a nighttime panic attack.
The signs and symptoms of a nocturnal panic attack are about the same as as a daytime one. For example, the person usually feels a rapid pulse, quick shallow breathing, trembling, a a sense of doom and so forth. In short, all the things that go with any panic attack.
Some people experience the sense of panic just as they’re drifting off to sleep. Others are awoken suddenly with fear while they’re soundly asleep.
Surprisingly, most people with nighttime anxiety attacks don’t remember a nightmare before or accompanying the attack.
If you experience these episodes know that you leave them behind you. But you will need to take action.
First is to get a complete physical evaluation. Some physical problems that can cause the symptoms of a panic. You want to be certain that’s not an issue for you.
With night time panic attacks, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea could be a concern. Your physician may well recommend evaluation in a sleep lab.
Next, be sure your nighttime habits lead to a good night’s sleep.
This means doing things like eliminating, or at least cutting way back, on things that might keep you awake like drinks with caffeine in them. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping and romantic activities. Don’t watch TV or read or pay bills while lying in bed.
the idea is to create the association between being in bed and sleeping.
Also, don’t watch disturbing or action-filled TV shows or read such books before you head to bed. If you have a panic problem the last thing you need to do is to fill your mind with such images before sleep.
You can find further sleep hygiene tips elsewhere.
The final step I’ll suggest here is to get specific treatment for your panic disorder.
A night time panic 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 overall treatment.
Often, Your physician will recommend using drugs in addition to psychotherapy.
One difference is that if the nocturnal episodes really interfere with your ability toi get a night’s rest, your doctor may recommend a sedative before you go to bed as a temporary measure while more permanent approaches have a chance to work.
One problem with prescription sedatives is that they disrupt normal sleep patterns. A night’s sleep after you’ve had a Xanax isn’t as restful as a normal good night’s sleep.
But it is a heck of a lot better than one interrupted by a panic attack.
Another problem with sedatives is that people can become dependent on them. You need to realize starting this treatment that it should only be short-term. Before you begins you should know how long you’re going to take the medicine and how you’re going to stop.
Many people want to try natural alternatives before they resort to a prescription sedative. You can find a an excellent of natural sleep supplements at Night Time Panic Attacks Part 2.
In general, the suggestions on that page are well tolerated and don’t disrupt normal sleep rhythms. Many people find they’re an excellent alternative to the prescription sedatives with out the side effects.
These tips will get you started down the path to relief. If you want more information about all aspects of panic attacks and their treatment, visit Panic Attack Release.
And click here for a review of a great non-drug way to treat panic attacks.
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