Panic attacks are known to mostly happen during the day, but an attack can also happen at night. Those who experience sleep panic attacks are usually awaken during the night or first thing in the morning experiencing the same symptoms of a panic attack but for no apparent reason. Chest pains, a racing heart, light headed or difficulty in breathing may be experienced. There might also be a feeling of needing to escape or the fear of dying. These symptoms are terrifying enough when you are awake and only get magnified for those who experience them while waking up.
Treating and preventing sleep panic attacks is similar to treating panic attacks that occur during waking hours. Although it’s more difficult to determine the actual trigger of these attacks they can usually be related to an event that occurred during the day that may have had a traumatic or stressful association.
Relaxation Techniques Can Help Reduce Sleep Panic Attacks
As with any panic or anxiety attack, one of the key strategies used is to try to relax. Relaxing helps to calm the mind down and possibly completely avoid the attack altogether. But how do you relax yourself when you are sleeping? The key is preparation. You will want to do some relaxation techniques before sleeping which will help you be more relaxed during sleep. When you are able to sleep deeper and more relaxed you will be better able to handle any stresses you face during your sleep as you mind processes your days activities.
Deep breathing can be used to help relax the body and mind for sleep. When you are breathing deeply you want to draw the air in with the diaphragm instead of through the chest. Let the air fill up your lungs slowly and then exhale in a slow and controlled manner. Focus on the breath and push away your stresses on each exhalation.
Other ways to relax prior to sleep in include self massage or from a partner, mediation or prayer. Anything that helps to relax your body and mind and take your thoughts away from the stresses of life will help you sleep better and eliminate sleep panic attacks.
Often, just knowing that you are working on a solution to your anxiety about sleep can be the solution to the problem. Learning techniques to relax your body and mind can help to minimize or even eliminate sleep panic attacks completely.
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