Nocturnal Panic Attacks - Can You Have Panic Attacks While Sleeping

Panic attacks are a terrifying experience. Your body is reacting to a perceived threat. It becomes ready to 'flee or fight'. The problem with that normal reaction is that the threat is imaginary. Our body is reacting to something that doesn't exist. Everything about the situation is real, the intense feeling of fear; our pulse starts racing as the adrenaline starts running through our body. Normally we are awake when a panic attack starts and we know that it is starting. Imagine waking up from a deep sleep in the midst of an attack.

Panic attacks while sleeping are fairly common. These are called nocturnal panic attacks. When we are asleep, our body tries to relax and use that time to rejuvenate and heal itself. If we are full of stress, our subconscious can take over and the stress we feel during the day can take control. Panic attacks while sleeping may eventually lead to insomnia. Most sufferers of panic attacks fear another attack coming on. If you start having panic attacks at night you may start avoiding sleep. Unfortunately, the more insomnia a person experiences, the more likely it is that they will also have panic attacks, leading to a vicious cycle of panic and sleeplessness that can quickly escalate into a very unpleasant -- an unhealthy -- situation. By interrupting your normal sleep pattern, you are setting yourself up for other problems. If you don't get adequate rest and night and allow your body to rejuvenate, then you are working at a disadvantage during the day.

And while panic attacks themselves are not normally physically harmful, the terror that a person can feel from experiencing panic attacks while sleeping can be very real, and even cause a variety of physical stress-related pains, headaches, and muscle soreness, particularly in the shoulders and back.

Try this remedy for stopping panic attacks while sleeping that doesn't use medication. 

One useful method in treating panic attacks is through ongoing therapy which can help you to address the fears which may result in panic and anxiety attacks. You can unlearn the behaviors that have produced panic and anxiety attacks in the past. Coping skills like relaxation techniques and imagery skills can help you learn how to overcome anxiety and panic attacks permanently over time.

In order for any of these or other techniques to be successful, you have to be committed to the process. Dedicate the time and practice your techniques everyday. It will be worth it. Over time you can learn how to stop panic attacks permanently and take back control of your life.