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Panic Attacks while I'm sleeping!


14 years ago 0 2606 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Don,
 
I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing these terrible sleep disturbances. It may be possbile that you are experiencing  intense nightmares which are ultimately causing panick-attack symptoms. Whatever may be occuring, it is important you do your best to relax once you wake up and focus on bringing your breathing back to a normal rhythm. If this is causing you to be severely tired in the mornings perhaps sleeping with the night light or some background noise will help you feel rested.
 
Have you ever thought about starting a sleep journal, where you can take note of what happens?
 
Members, has anyone experienced panic attacks during their sleep? What have you done to prevent them?
 
 
Samantha, Health Educator
14 years ago 0 39 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi all, just curious if anyone has ever experienced a panic attack in the middle of a deep sleep?  Once in awhile, I'll be in a deep sleep, suddenly panic wildly with my heart pounding and racing, and feel totally claustrophobic (like I'm trapped in a small enclosed dark box and can't get out). After a few minutes of sheer panic, I usually wake up, realize I had a "subconscious" panic attack, and crawl back into bed as I sometimes wake up on the floor drenched in sweat.  I usually only get these attacks in a quiet and dark room, so if there is some noise or a nightlight on, it doesn't happen. It's just the odd time (camping for example) where sometimes it gets dark and really quiet which triggers it and I freak out my tentmates who think I went crazy and cower under their sleeping bags....it never happens when I'm awake in the daytime.  Any ideas how to do exposure therapy when you're sleeping?? PS. Actually at the first hint of light, noise, or even hearing a tentmates voice during an attack, I can reorient myself and the panic is instantly gone.

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