Panic Attacks While Sleeping

Sleep is supposed to be a time of rest and rejuvenation, but for those who suffer panic attacks while sleeping, this time of respite can be a literal nightmare.

It is estimated that close to six million people suffer from occasional to persistent panic attacks while sleeping. The symptoms of these attacks are much the same as any other type of panic, but because they occur when the body and mind are at rest they can be particularly frightening. The symptoms include:

• Sudden and overwhelming sense of irrational fear or dread
• Fear of dying or losing control
• Racing heart and palpitations
• Shallow or labored breathing
• Trembling
• Sweating
• “Out of body” feeling, like watching things unfold from another perspective

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The cause of panic attacks while sleeping, much like the cause of those which occur at other times during the day, is a bit cloudy. There are, however, some possible culprits. Among them are:

Stress. Unusually high stress, such as pressure at work or in a relationship can lead to panic attacks symptoms while sleeping.

Change.  Any sudden change in a person’s normal routine, such as a change in employment, graduation from high school or college or moving to a new residence can cause stress which my in turn lead to panic attacks.

Loss.  The loss of a loved one can cause both grief and separation anxiety.

Heredity.  Some people are genetically predisposed to panic attacks and other anxiety-related illnesses.

Fear Cycle.  Stress which results from the fear of having another panic attack can actually cause an episode, especially when sleeping.

Apart from heredity, which is a powerful risk factor for anxiety, unusually high levels of stress, regardless of its source, seems to be the common denominator in panic attacks while sleeping.

Unfortunately, identifying that stress is not always easy. Many people who suffer from panic attacks believe they are handling the stress in their lives effectively. Therefore, when those first bouts of panic strike they are taken by surprise and the fear it produces can rapidly become overwhelming.

So overwhelming is this fear that it actually creates a cycle in which the dread of incurring another panic attack becomes the primary stressor. This “cycle of fear” is thought by many to be the number one cause of repeated panic attacks, both while sleeping and at other times throughout the day.

Treatment for panic attacks while sleeping is similar to the treatment which is most effective at other times. While no single method will work for everyone, there are measures that people can take to help curb the symptoms during an attack and help ward off future episodes. Below are a few of the most common treatment options.

• Healthy lifestyle. A proper diet can be an effective weapon against panic attacks. Avoid things such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol which can make anxiety worse. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day and get plenty of sleep. The healthier the body, the healthier the mind, and a better chance to fight back against troubling anxiety symptoms.
  
  
• Relaxation techniques. Relaxation exercises, both during and before a panic attack, can be a valuable part of one’s “panic fighting” toolbox. Meditation, yoga and other exercises which focus on bringing a person’s breathing under control can significantly reduce the likelihood of panic attacks while sleeping.
  
  
• Support. Sharing you fears with family and friends or with a support group can sometimes help you make sense of frightening panic symptoms.

There is no magic cure for panic attacks while sleeping. The best strategy is one which is aimed at breaking the cycle of fear which creates them. The time spent at identifying the extreme stressors which may precipitate a panic episode is time well spent, and can help people to cope with or eliminate the troubling symptoms.

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