Panic attacks at night

Stress-Triggered Insomnia

Many people have panic attacks while in bed, supposed to be sleeping. In such situations, these people are often unable to sleep, they turn over in their beds, troubled by breathing difficulties, nervousness, anxiety, exhaustion, night sweats and many additional fits. Stress is the main reason behind this condition. Namely, people, worried about certain things, bring their problems with them once they get in their beds. However, the problems cause sleepless nights full of torments, possibly triggering many different health problems. For all these reasons, it is necessary to take some actions in order to stop the panic attacks during the night.

Causes of Panic Attacks at Night

As mentioned above, the stress remains the major cause behind this condition. Troubles at work or school, expectations, fears, anxiety, grief, loss of a dear person and many other causes may lead to panic attacks at night since, though we are sleeping, we continue to worry and feel sad.

However, some health problems may be the reason behind your sleepless, panic-driven nights. Certain illnesses involving problems in blood distribution or glands may have panic attacks at night as their side-effects. Also, this condition may be triggered by the abuse of certain substances or stimulants. Additionally, people who suffered from heart attacks and similar conditions, tend to have panic attacks during night since they fear death and the fact that they might experience the stroke once again. Strangely enough, dreams are not connected to this condition. On the contrary, people can never experience panic attacks while dreaming.

Possible Treatment

There are ways you can help yourself, one suffering from a panic attack of this sort. Namely, try to remain calm and accept the fact that you just had a panic attack while you were sleeping, or were supposed to be sleeping. To not dwell upon the fact but, rather, try to forget it and think about something else. Breathe deeply and slowly. This will relax you and make you sleep.

Alternatively, if the above does not help, you may seek professional help. Psychotherapy has proven to be an excellent way of treating this condition as it makes one define his or her problems and fears and confront them orally. Solving the problems behind your panic attacks is also a very important thing. Most people hide something that bothers them and have their fears and traumas locked up deep inside them. Facing the reasons behind your frustrations will make you more satisfied than spending your whole life worrying. Therefore, if not facing the problem behind your panic attacks directly, at least try to acknowledge it, accept it and go back to sleep.

Although there are numerous medications for these purposes, self control is the best medicine. Try to solve the problems bothering you and provide your self a good night sleep relieved of any panic attacks.