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Between 50 percent and 75 percent people who have panic disorder will also have sleep panic attacks. Having a panic attack when you are awake is terrible, but having one at night, in the dark, can be a whole lot worse.

In the dark, things can often be more disconcerting, especially when you are by yourself. I reckon that most people, even those who do not suffer from panic attacks, have had their night’s sleep troubled by some fear.

For most people, just turning on the lights and looking around their house dispels the fear. It doesn’t work that way if your problem is a nocturnal anxiety attack.

Nonetheless, the symptoms of sleep panic attacks are same at the attacks that take place during the day. The person will experience accelerated heart rate, fast shallow breathing, tingling feeling in the arms and legs, and a sense of approaching catastrophe. In other words, the person will experience all the symptoms of a panic attack.

Some people might have the attack just as they are beginning to nod off, while others might have an episode from the blue while they are fast asleep.

If you are a victim of nocturnal panic attacks, then you should know that you can get over it. However, to be successful, you need certain tips and pointers.

The first thing to do is get a complete physical check up. Sometimes, certain physical ailments can appear like the symptoms of a panic attack. This will ensure that there is nothing the matter with you. With this form of panic attack, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can be a cause for concern. If you suffer from sleep-related problems, it is quite likely that your doctor may suggest that you get some tests done in a sleep laboratory.

The next step is ensuring that your habits at night promote and encourage a good night’s rest. This would mean reducing and completely avoiding stimulants like caffeine. Keep your bedroom just for sleeping or romantic activities. Do not read or watch TV in the bedroom. Also, you should try not to watch new or disturbing movies or TV shows before you go to sleep. If you suffer from nighttime panic attacks, the last thing you need is having distressing images in your mind just before you retire for the night.

The final step I’ll recommend here is to take steps to eliminate your panic attacks.

A night time anxiety episode is like any other panic attack except it occurs at night. Because it happens at night it may be more terrifying, but that doesn’t affect the treatment plan. One thing that is slightly different is that if the night time episodes are fairly frequent, a physician may recommend a sedative at bedtime as a temporary measure while longer term treatments have a chance to take effect.

The only issue with taking sedatives to sleep is that they can affect your normal sleep patterns. Sleeping at night after taking an Ambien is not as relaxing as sleeping without a sleeping pill.

Another concern is that people can become dependent on them. You need to realize starting using these pills that it should only be short-term. Part of beginning therapy should include a plan of how long you’re going to take the medicine and how you’re going to come off it.

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