How To Overcome A Panic Attack At Night

Panic attack in normal circumstances is a scary experience; panic attack at night when you suddenly wake from a sleep without any warning can be literally terrifying for the sufferer.

The fact it takes a period of time in gathering your senses when you awake from normal sleep patterns, when panic attack occurs in an unconscious state and you suddenly revert to full consciouness without prior warning, can be a distressing time.

So what is panic attack at night. Believe it or not, many people will have a nocturnal attack at some stage of their lives. Recently, I awoke in a state of mild panic following a short sleep with an awareness that there may be an intruder in the house. It was a false alarm however, the few moments I went through having difficulty breathing was certainly distressing. In fact, a frozen feeling and an inability to move accompanied the breathing difficulty.

How To Prevent Panic Attack At Night

Unfortunately the first experience with a panic attack at night is often the worst, and most people just have to ride out the panic. Afterwards however, the panic sufferer can begin to take steps to prepare for preventing any further panics. Time is the best thing for any panic sufferer, doubly so for those who experience a panic attack at night. Learning how to prevent a panic attack is perhaps one of the most important steps any panic sufferer can take. Learn to be patient, as it will take some time to develop the proper preventative techniques.

People that experience a panic attack at night have to be even more prepared than most normal panic sufferers. Learn to immediately begin calming methods, start your breathing exercises, and if possible try and get some fresh air. Most people who experience frequent panics at night like to keep their medications ready at hand. Some medicines are made to specifically calm a person down in a short period of time. For anyone with serious panic problems this may be an excellent method for helping deal with panic attacks. But as always, check with a doctor before taking any medications.

What Role Does Stress Play?

Try to reduce your stress at night as well. Lots of couples tend to discuss family and relationship issues while they prepare for bed, and this may not be the best approach for people who suffer any form of panic attack at night. Also remember that diet and exercise can have a large impact on the occurrence, and severity, of panic attacks. If you are the type of person who eats late, or enjoys nightly snacks, then it may be time to re-evaluate your habits.

A discussion with your doctor will be very helpful. Ongoing attacks should be treated with concern and some of the things your doctor will discuss with you could include lifestyle changes. Allowing panic attacks to take over your life is foolhardy; they can be controlled.