Some people experience a panic attack while sleeping. This can be disturbing to the person, particularly if it happens often. They may dread going to bed.
This can also cause insomnia as they find it very difficult to relax and let go when they go to bed. There may be constant worry, which is natural, but doesn't help their situation.
Rude Awakening
Though a panic attack can happen at any time and anywhere, you may be rudely awakened from a pleasant dream by a panic attack. Not everyone is affected this way though.
However, it can seem pretty traumatic waking up this way, sweating profusely, with your heart racing. Imagine waking up with your head spinning and you're short of breath.
When I first had panic attacks in 1981, I found sleep to be very difficult. I'd lie there almost every night until about 3 or 4 in the morning before finally nodding off.
My panic attacks caused me severe balance problems as well as vision problems. I had pictures of soccer players on my walls. Once the light was switched off, these photos started dancing all over the place.
It was scary and uncomfortable. The photos appeared to be moving about all over my wall and it felt like I was in a boat, bobbing up and down. It was torture.
Make Sure To Rule Out Other Possibilities
Though people do get panic attacks in their sleep, it's important to make sure it's not because of something else. For example, you may wake up suddenly, short of breath. It could be a form of sleep apnea (which would also need to be treated, by the way).
Make sure you have a 'clean bill of health' so as to rule out other potentially serious conditions before attributing anything to panic attacks. It may well be a panic attack. It's just that panic attacks mimic serious illnesses.
There's no doubt that a panic attack while sleeping does occur. No one knows why it happens during sleep. It's difficult enough to understand why it happens while you're awake!
Learn to do deep breathing to help calm you down. Try to learn this relaxing technique when you're NOT having an attack, so you can apply it naturally when it does happen.
Even though it may be annoying to practice deep breathing, it can really help to calm down a difficult situation. Never underestimate the power of breathing.
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Whose lifestyle would you say is the most worry ...
By: drabsv | 11-05-2008
Whose lifestyle would you say is the most worry-free (distress-free) nowadays?
Please help me calm my nerves in relationships.
By: leekata | 05-05-2008
Hi everyone! Figured I would give this a try.... i dont know how else to calm my nerves. I am going through something that I always go through in relationships, something I thought I was over but im finding im obviously not. I am in a relationhip, its been four months and im attached and in love. I took my time dating anyone seriously because i have made stupid mistakes in the past. now however I am a nervous wreck because i care so much abotu him and feel like something is going to go wrong or he will cheat or is. I have had this feeling in every single relationship and it always causes problems. i dont say i feel this way really,but it affects the way i act. I thought i was more mature but its still driving me insane. i get sad when we hang out and it has to end, i panic actually. then my whole day is spend worrying. its obviously not normal or healthy but i dont know what to do or how to calm my nerves. Does anyone have any advice? And yes i know i have self esteem issues. I am almost 30, shouldnt i be over this by now?
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By: 1234 | 29-04-2008
What is excitability?
So messed up!!!
By: coriandermay | 28-04-2008
I got the answer I needed
I want to enjoy my new home ... help!!
By: Caxie | 15-04-2008
My husband and I have just built our dream home and after a year we have finally moved in. I am absolutely in love with my house but the problem is that I have 'New Car' syndrome with it!! Basically I am too scared to do anything in the case that I may scratch, break or damage something!!! How can I get past this and actually live and enjoy my new home?!!
I am too clingy!!
By: katielee102 | 14-04-2008
I feel like I am am becoming too clingy. This is something that I find myself doing with every relationship. I really want this one to be a healthy one but i know if i keep acting like this i may push him away. First of all, I have major trust issues. I think every guy is going to cheat on my and or meet someone they feel is better. I know I am an awsome person and that he is lucky but deep down these feelings ALWAYS resurface. My boyfriend and I have been togethr almost four months, not to long I know. The more i start to care about someone the more i get scared and become clingly and lose my self esteem. What can i do to work on this?? It causes me ALOT of anxiety and i sometimes get sick over the anxiety . I am hanging out with him tonight, silly me said do you want to hang out tonight or is that too much katie? (yes we hung out last night) he said if I want we can. So yes we are hanging out tonight, however now I feel dumb that I asked him again. What do i do, like i said i will see him tonight but i want to try to play cool and not come across as clingy although I am sure i have already. Is there anything I can say tonight??
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