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Nocturnal Panic Attacks –First Steps To Take If You Have One

Nocturnal anxiety attacks affect between fifty percent and seventy-five percent of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder.  Having a panic episode in daylight is bad.  Having one when you're trying to sleep causes even more distress.

Everything seems more upsetting at night. It's even worse if you’re alone.  I believe everyone, even those without an anxiety disorder, has awoken in the middle of the night with a fear or concern that something is wrong.

For most people, just getting the lights on and looking around their house is enough to let them get back to sleep.

It’s not nearly so simple if your problem is a nighttime anxiety attack.

The signs and symptoms of a nighttime anxiety attack are about the same as as one happening during the day.  That is, the panic victim typically experiences a pounding heart beat, too-fast breathing, tingling in their arms and legs, a a sense of doom and so on.  In brief, everything that go with any anxiety episode.

For some people the panic attack might occur just as they’re drifting off to sleep.  For others, the panic comes out of nowhere while they’re soundly asleep.

Surprisingly, nightmares are not a hallmark of nouturnal panic attacks.

If you experience these episodes realize that you can get rid of them.  But there are things you need to do to reach that goal.

First is to get a complete physical evaluation.  Some physical problems that can cause the symptoms of anxiety episode.  You need to be certain you don't have a problem like that.

With night time panic attacks, sleep problems such as sleep apnea may be an issue.  Don’t be surprised if your physician recommends evaluation in a sleep lab.

Next, be certain your habits lead to a restful night’s sleep.

This means avoiding stimulants like caffeine.  Reserve your bedroom for sleeping and romantic activities.  Don’t watch TV or read or pay bills while lying in bed.

You want to associate being in bed with sleeping.

In addition, avoid looking at the news or watching upsetting movies or TV shows in the hours before bed.  If you have an anxiety 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 final step I’ll suggest here is to seek specific treatment for your panic problem.

A nighttime anxiety episode is really just a panic attack that happens to occur at night.  The fact that it happens in the middle of the night does make it more terrifying, but doesn’t affect the treatment plan.

Often, Your doctor will suggest using medication in addition to psychotherapy.

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 stop-gap treatment while more permanent treatments have the time to take effect.

One problem with prescription "sleeping pills" 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.  It’s important to know starting this treatment that it should only be short-term.  Before you begins you should know how long you’re going to take the pills and how you’re going to stop.

For many people, it's wise to try more natural treatments before they use drug.  You can find a an excellent of natural sleep supplements at Night Time Panic Attacks Part 2.

In general, the natural sleep aids are safe and don't disrupt normal sleep patterns.  Many people find they’re an excellent alternative to the prescription sedatives with out the side effects.

This advice should 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.