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.

Tips For Panic Attacks

For those sufferers who are trying on their own to make sense of their panic attacks and figure out how to stop panic attacks, I have some tips for panic attacks.

Experts cannot put a finger on the exact cause of panic attacks. It can be different for different people. The most common reason cited is stress. Usually a panic attack will occur during a major life change. These single attacks usually go away with the stressful event. If you have recurring attacks and think they are caused by stress, you need to take steps to reduce the stress in your everyday life. See a medical professional if you are having repeated attacks. A medical provider can rule out or diagnose if the attacks are caused by a physical ailment.

Here are some stress reducing tips to prevent panic attacks from occurring.

- Get regular massages. This relieves tension.
- Cut down on the junk food. Eat healthy meals, especially breakfast.
- Get enough sleep. Your body rejuvenates while it is at rest.
- Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever. Get regular exercise and keep your body in shape.
- Reduce (or eliminate) your alcohol and drug intake. This includes tobacco.
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine drinks like coffee, tea and soda. Caffeine in known to increase anxiety. It also can cause insomnia which does not allow the body to get its needed rest.

The last tips are important. Alcohol and drugs have long been accepted ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Alcohol and/or drugs, even prescribed drugs, can create other problems. Try to get your body as clean as you can to reduce the amount of internal stress you have on it. You will be able to come up with your own tips for panic attacks as you become more educated about your illness and recommended treatments.