Dealing With Sleep Panic Attacks
The DSM-IV, which is the psychologists’ handbook of psychological disorders, describes several different types of panic disorders. Symptoms of a panic attack can include rapid pulse, dizziness, perspiration, extreme fear, and extreme anxiety. Normal attacks are bad enough, and sleep panic attacks are even worse. Over half of those who experience normal panic disorders will also experience sleep attacks.
Sleep is supposed to be the most relaxing experience that a person can have. But, for those who experience a nighttime attack, sleep can be a terrifying thing.
People who experience these attacks will often wake up in a state of terror, confused, and without any real comprehension of what had just happened. Symptoms of the attack, such as hyperventilation and a racing heart, could cause someone to believe that he’s a victim of a heart attack. With a regular daytime attack, the escalating symptoms may alert the victim that an attack is coming on, so that he may be somewhat prepared. A sleep attack will happen while he’s still asleep, and will wake him when the attack is at its peak. Sometimes, these attacks can become so severe that a victim can develop an acute fear of going to sleep.
As yet, nobody fully understands what causes these attacks. However, there are some things that a person can do to have some relief.
Doctors can prescribe different types of medication, such as anxiety pills, anti-depressants, or beta blockers. Some of these medications can be physiologically addictive, so a person would need to exercise some caution, and be sure to follow the 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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