Some Information About Sleep Panic Attacks
There are several types of panic disorders described in the DSM-IV, the psychologists’ manual of psychological disorders. Panic attack symptoms can include extreme anxiety, extreme fear, dizziness, perspiration, and rapid pulse. A normal attack would be bad enough, but sleep panic attacks are even worse. Over fifty percent of people who have a normal panic disorder also experience sleep attacks.
Sleep should be the most relaxing thing that anyone can experience. But, it can be a very scary experience for anyone who ever has a nighttime attack.
Often, the victim will wake up in a state of confusion and terror, and will have little real idea of what had just taken place. A rapid pulse and hyperventilation may convince the person that he’s experiencing a heart attack. With a normal daytime panic attack, a person may become aware of the escalating symptoms, and be able to somewhat prepare for it. With a sleep attack, the victim will wake up while the attack is still happening. Some people will become so terrified of these attacks, that they’ll develop a deep-seated fear of falling asleep.
Currently, nobody fully understands what triggers these attacks. But, there are ways that a person can get relief.
Doctors may prescribe some type of drug, such as beta blockers, anti-depressants, or anxiety pills. Some of these drugs could be physiologically addictive, so a patient would need to practice caution, and be careful to follow doctor’s orders, when using them.
It seems that stress can be a contributing factor. Some experts recommend trying stress reduction techniques, and setting aside time every day for relaxation. Adding some sort of calming activity to the nightly routine, such as reading in bed or writing in a journal, could also help. They also recommend avoiding caffeinated beverages, like coffee or soda pop, at bedtime.
There’s a wealth of information on the web concerning sleep panic attacks. A simple web search will help you find it.
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