Panic Attacks While Sleeping
Sleep panic attacks are not as uncommon as one may think. Although they may seem to have no apparent cause, they are usually the result of stress during the day. Like any form of panic and anxiety, there is a root cause, whether it be a traumatic event, ongoing stress, or change in life like moving house. It is likely that this cause is being ignored while awake and not faced up to and so they are upsetting the sleep and causing panic at night.
If panic attacks while sleeping become a frequent occurrence, they can lead a person to develop other problems. The person can start to fear going to bed and sleeping, which may lead to insomnia. The panic attacks may be waking them up and disturbing the natural sleep routine already. All this will lead to tiredness, more stress, and more risk of anxiety.
First, it is important to realize that you are in no physical danger. It can feel very disorientating to wake up having a panic attack. You need to quickly remember you cannot be hurt by this. Next, start the deep breathing and relaxation exercises that you would use during the day to control panic attacks. It is possible to feel a bit paralyzed as you are not fully awake, but it is nothing to worry about. When the body is in REM sleep, it is normal for some muscles to become inactive as they undergo the natural repair process. Although it is unusual for anyone to notice this “paralysis”, it is not something to be alarmed about. For more info, click: curing panic attacks.
To put a stop to panic attacks while sleeping, you must address the cause, as is the case with any form of panic attacks. There are immediate steps, can be taken to minimize the risk of the attacks coming on. It is a good idea to take some light exercise in the evening, followed by stretching. Stretching out the muscles in your legs is a good habit for anyone and can help relax for a good nights' sleep.
Sleep apnea and some other conditions can bring about some similar symptoms to those of sleep panic attacks. If you only get these attacks while sleeping, you may consider that it they are not panic attacks but another, specifically sleep-related, condition. It is advisable to talk to your doctor about this.
If panic attacks while sleeping become a frequent occurrence, they can lead a person to develop other problems. The person can start to fear going to bed and sleeping, which may lead to insomnia. The panic attacks may be waking them up and disturbing the natural sleep routine already. All this will lead to tiredness, more stress, and more risk of anxiety.
First, it is important to realize that you are in no physical danger. It can feel very disorientating to wake up having a panic attack. You need to quickly remember you cannot be hurt by this. Next, start the deep breathing and relaxation exercises that you would use during the day to control panic attacks. It is possible to feel a bit paralyzed as you are not fully awake, but it is nothing to worry about. When the body is in REM sleep, it is normal for some muscles to become inactive as they undergo the natural repair process. Although it is unusual for anyone to notice this “paralysis”, it is not something to be alarmed about. For more info, click: curing panic attacks.
To put a stop to panic attacks while sleeping, you must address the cause, as is the case with any form of panic attacks. There are immediate steps, can be taken to minimize the risk of the attacks coming on. It is a good idea to take some light exercise in the evening, followed by stretching. Stretching out the muscles in your legs is a good habit for anyone and can help relax for a good nights' sleep.
Sleep apnea and some other conditions can bring about some similar symptoms to those of sleep panic attacks. If you only get these attacks while sleeping, you may consider that it they are not panic attacks but another, specifically sleep-related, condition. It is advisable to talk to your doctor about this.
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