Am I Having Panic Attacks In My Sleep?

For many people, getting a good night's sleep can be difficult, if not impossible. This problem goes beyond mere irritation - lack of restful sleep affects both physical and mental performance when awake. A single night without restful sleep will have negative effects, but the issue can also become chronic. When seeking medical attention for this problem, the three most common complaints are insomnia, daytime drowsiness, and irregular sleep behavior. It is estimated that 25% or more of people suffer from some form of insomnia. This problem is especially prevalent among women, the elderly and those who work third shifts or a schedule that changes shifts. Insomnia can also be caused by or worsen depression and other mental disorders. And among those suffering from sleep disorders, especially those with a form of mental illness or anxiety, sleep panic attacks can become an issue.

Among those diagnosed with a panic disorder, over half will experience sleep panic attacks. Approximately 10% of panic attacks are experienced while asleep. A sleep panic attack can be terrifying, in which the affected person may experience symptoms such as a racing or pounding heartbeat and chest pains, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, hot flashes or chills, and an intense fear of dying. Panic attacks are a common cause of emergency room visits. The fear of continued sleep panic attacks can also cause or worsen insomnia.

Sleep panic attacks may be mistaken for severe nightmares. This is not the case. Studies have shown that sleep panic attacks take place during early or shallower stages of sleep, as opposed to the deeper phase, REM, where dreams generally occur. Though sleep panic attacks generally last for a short time, around 10 minutes, it can take far longer for the sufferer to fully calm back down.

Many factors may influence the chance that a person will experience sleep panic attacks. Mental disorders such as depression and generalized anxiety can run in families, both of which are contributing factors to panic attacks, including those suffered while asleep. Stress can cause or worsen sleep panic attacks, as can physical illness and medication or drug use. Sleep apnea may also be a factor, as the shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and sudden waking may trigger the body's unconscious threat or danger response. However, a precise cause of sleep panic attacks is not known.

Treatment options include those generally prescribed for panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. These can include stress management, counseling, and medication. For this reason, if sleep panic attacks become a problem, it is a good idea to see your general practice physician, who can help advise you on any sleep disorders you may be experiencing, or refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if mental disorder may be a concern. Other helpful practices you can implement on your own include avoiding foods and beverages known to worsen quality of sleep, such as caffeine and alcohol. Also, exercise can help reduce sleep panic attacks as well as generalized anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercise is especially helpful, as is yoga, which encourages relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Aerobic exercise yoga, and stress management techniques have all been proven to lower the incidence of panic attacks.

For more information from Edward Michaels on sleep panic and additional articles on dealing with anxiety and panic attacks please visit our website at http://www.Panic-Attacks-Help-Center.com

By: Edward Michaels

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Edward Michaels has spent a large part of his life dealing with panic attacks and learning how to cope with them. His website at: http//:www.Panic-Attacks-Help-Center.com is where he posts other articles and information that you will find very helpful in beating panic attacks and reclaiming your life.