When Panic Attacks You In Your Sleep
Whenever someone suffers from a panic attack, the feeling of helplessness can be immense.
Not only does it affect your breathing, but it can also render you almost motionless, such is its severity.
The positive side is that many people who experience these types of reactions are aware it's happening and can do something about it there and then.
But what happens when a panic attack occurs when you're sleeping, and how can you deal with this type of event? Since most panic attacks are caused by stress, you may be surprised to know that they can still affect you even when you're sleeping.
After all, how much more relaxed can you be? However, stress never takes into account the time of day your body is at - when it wants to strike, it will.
And with stress being a continuous build-up of emotion as opposed to an immediate one, perhaps it's not really a surprise that it can still invade your sleep.
Because of their very nature, perhaps sleep panic attacks are the most difficult to deal with.
Since you're unaware of your surroundings completely, not only are your vulnerability levels raised, but also your ability to protect yourself from suffering extra stress and trauma is greatly reduced.
Although this is an extremely uncomfortable type of attack, thankfully there are ways to keep it at bay: 1.
Since a major cause of waking and sleep panic attacks are caused by stress, make time for yourself throughout the day to relax.
Whether you read a book, listen to music or just go for a walk, put aside some quality time just for you and adhere to it.
2.
Be firmer in your decisions.
If you're known as the type of person who will do anything for anyone, people will take advantage of this, intentionally or not.
Learn to stop saying 'Yes' whenever someone asks for a favour, and only do what is physically possible.
3.
Go to meetings for other sufferers, even if it's something like an adult workshop on how to deal with stress.
Once you get over the stigma and realise that you're not alone, these people can help alleviate the stress that is causing sleep panic attacks in the first place.
4.
Talk to close friends and family.
They, more than anyone, have only your well-being in mind, and if they know you are suffering from anything, whether it be stress, depression or something like sleep panic attacks, they can look out for you and help share any burdens you may have.
5.
Change your life for the better.
In this day and age, it's not always easy to do this, but like anything, your health should come before everything.
If your job is stressful and getting you down, look for another one; if your partner or relationship does not feel right anymore, try and make it right again.
If this fails, consider moving on and finding someone that will make you happy.
At the end of the day, sleep panic attacks are just like any other panic attack - if you can recognise this, then with the right approach and decisions, they can be a thing of the past.
Not only does it affect your breathing, but it can also render you almost motionless, such is its severity.
The positive side is that many people who experience these types of reactions are aware it's happening and can do something about it there and then.
But what happens when a panic attack occurs when you're sleeping, and how can you deal with this type of event? Since most panic attacks are caused by stress, you may be surprised to know that they can still affect you even when you're sleeping.
After all, how much more relaxed can you be? However, stress never takes into account the time of day your body is at - when it wants to strike, it will.
And with stress being a continuous build-up of emotion as opposed to an immediate one, perhaps it's not really a surprise that it can still invade your sleep.
Because of their very nature, perhaps sleep panic attacks are the most difficult to deal with.
Since you're unaware of your surroundings completely, not only are your vulnerability levels raised, but also your ability to protect yourself from suffering extra stress and trauma is greatly reduced.
Although this is an extremely uncomfortable type of attack, thankfully there are ways to keep it at bay: 1.
Since a major cause of waking and sleep panic attacks are caused by stress, make time for yourself throughout the day to relax.
Whether you read a book, listen to music or just go for a walk, put aside some quality time just for you and adhere to it.
2.
Be firmer in your decisions.
If you're known as the type of person who will do anything for anyone, people will take advantage of this, intentionally or not.
Learn to stop saying 'Yes' whenever someone asks for a favour, and only do what is physically possible.
3.
Go to meetings for other sufferers, even if it's something like an adult workshop on how to deal with stress.
Once you get over the stigma and realise that you're not alone, these people can help alleviate the stress that is causing sleep panic attacks in the first place.
4.
Talk to close friends and family.
They, more than anyone, have only your well-being in mind, and if they know you are suffering from anything, whether it be stress, depression or something like sleep panic attacks, they can look out for you and help share any burdens you may have.
5.
Change your life for the better.
In this day and age, it's not always easy to do this, but like anything, your health should come before everything.
If your job is stressful and getting you down, look for another one; if your partner or relationship does not feel right anymore, try and make it right again.
If this fails, consider moving on and finding someone that will make you happy.
At the end of the day, sleep panic attacks are just like any other panic attack - if you can recognise this, then with the right approach and decisions, they can be a thing of the past.
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