It is known that panic attacks affect millions of people, but one thing that people don't realise is that many sufferers will also experience sleep panic attacks (otherwise known as nocturnal attacks).
While not as common as the daytime attacks, they can be just as intense and even more frightening when one wakes up in the middle of an attack.
What is a Panic Attack? A panic attack is the sudden and intense feeling of fear, anxiety, dread or apprehension that is not proportional or rational for the situation.
Often minor triggers will set an attack off, sending the sufferer into a tailspin.
For example, a person may be thinking about the coming week's work and begin to feel overwhelmed to the point where an attack ensues.
The panic attack has two components: emotional and physical.
The emotional side is marked by irrational fears and worry.
Physically, the victim will find their heart rate increased, they will begin to sweat, and may experience tightness in the chest, have trouble breathing and feel a tingling sensation in the limbs.
These symptoms can be so severe that the sufferer might think they are having a heart attack.
In fact, most people do not know they are having panic attacks until they go the hospital and are told their problem is mental and not physical.
If someone has frequent and sever attacks they may be diagnosed as having Panic Disorder.
It is common for people to alter their lives to avoid triggers and live in constant fear of these attacks.
This leads people to taking extreme measures like not leaving the house, having to have everything an exact way or sticking to a very strict routine.
Sleep panic attacks often occur to those who have Panic Disorder.
Just because your conscious mind is shut down, it doesn't mean that you aren't going to experience an attack.
Dreams can easily trigger the same reactions in your mind and body.
Attacks that occur in your sleep are sometimes more frightening because you have no warning they are coming on.
With regular daytime attacks, even though they come on suddenly, you can feel them build, top out and then reside.
With nocturnal attacks you are jolted awake to find yourself in a situation where you feel as though you can't breathe, your heart is going to explode or there is a ton of weight on your chest.
Preventing Sleep Panic Attacks Nocturnal attacks are often experienced by those suffering from Panic Disorder, so getting help for that is the first step to stopping these attacks.
There are a whole host of drugs that can be prescribed that have shown great success in reducing anxiety and lessening panic attacks.
In conjunction with drugs, psychotherapy can also be very helpful in dealing with the root issues that are causing the attacks.
Cognitive-Behavioral therapy has proven to help many patients deal with or even eliminate attacks.
Panic attacks, both day and night, stem from too much stress in people's lives.
They allow stress to build up and then small things send their stress level overflowing; and an attack ensues.
If you're looking to moderate your attacks then start by taking time to relax.
Practicing meditation, deep breathing and just taking time to do what you enjoy have all proven to be very helpful in this area.
Exercising more, eating a healthier diet and eliminating certain stimulants and additives from your diet are also highly recommended.
Alcohol, processed sugars and caffeine all have serious effects on your body and can lead to increased chances of an attack.
Follow these simple steps and see how your body reacts.
If you're still suffering from panic attacks, then it may be time to seek professional help.
There are doctors out there who can help you conquer these attacks in a variety of ways.