The DSM-IV, the psychologists’ manual of psychological disorders, discusses several different classes of panic disorders. The symptoms of a panic attack can include dizziness, rapid pulse, perspiration, extreme anxiety, and extreme fear. Normal attacks are scary enough, and sleep panic attacks are even worse. More than fifty percent of those who have normal panic disorders will also have 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.
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 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 would seem that stress can be one of the contributing factors. Some experts recommend scheduling a daily period of relaxation, and learning stress reduction techniques. Adding a calming activity to the nightly schedule, such as reading in bed or writing a journal, may help. They also advise to avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages, like soda pop or coffee, 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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