HOW TO COPE WITH PANIC ATTACKS AT NIGHT

Have you ever woken abruptly in the middle of the night in a panic attack for no specific reason?

Well, you're not alone. This is a common phenomenon called nocturnal panic. It's defined as waking abruptly in the middle of sleep in a state of panic. Almost 5% of adults report having had recurring panic attacks in their life and 44-71% of them report having had at least one nocturnal panic attack.

It's a common phenomenon seen in patients with a history of panic attacks or intense anxiety. Most importantly, these types of panic disorders and their anxiety attacks are treatable using various methods.

In this article, a mental health professional will touch on:

• What exactly is healthy sleep?
• The symptoms and impact of nocturnal panic
• Where and how to get help with unexpected panic attacks at night

The best way to start exploring the world of nocturnal panic attacks is to have a clear definition of what we want to achieve. In this case, a good night's sleep.

Benefits of healthy sleep

Getting enough sleep is critical for the body.

Healthy sleep means you:

• Get sick less frequently
• Build a better immune system
• Think clearer
• Reduce stress
• Aid weight loss or maintain a healthy weight

The effect of healthy sleep on mental and physical health

Not getting enough sleep does more than leave you feeling tired. That's why resting adequately and consistently is part of a healthy lifestyle. Quality and quantity of sleep can help avoid the adverse effects of feeling like you're losing control and prevent panic attacks at night.

It's important to remember that if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a panic attack or night terrors, it's not life-threatening. Deep breaths can help you manage anxiety and night terrors, which are usually over in half an hour.

Impact of nocturnal panic attacks on health and life

Nocturnal panic attacks often happen while you're asleep and wake you up. Fear overwhelms you for no apparent reason and there's a sense of impending doom or even physical sensations like: racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, increased sweating or chest pain and feeling numb. However, as they occur during sleep, individuals often wake up feeling scared and agitated and require time to calm down.

This, combined with the overwhelming fear of another panic attack can quickly lead to sleep deprivation or insomnia. This is a vicious cycle that often makes nighttime panic attacks worse and can lead to the development of a panic disorder.

Research suggests that several factors can increase the risk for day- and night-time panic attacks:

• Experiencing chronic stress in daily life
• Struggling with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD or PTSD
• A lack of assertiveness and a passive communication style
• Alcohol, drugs, or medication withdrawal
• Side effects of some medications
• Caffeine and cannabis use
• Genetics - close family members that have similar problems, increase the likelihood of panic attacks
• Chronic illnesses, like cancer
• Significant personal loss, including bereavement, mourning, or the loss of a relationship
• Significant life changes, like losing a job, moving house and towns, or becoming a parent.

How to Deal with a Panic Attack at Night

Comprehensive peer reviewed studies into the specific field of panic attacks, both during the daytime
and at night, have revealed many ways to deal with panic attack or anxiety attack at night.

“People suffering from panic attacks often think that there is something “wrong with them” and feel
ashamed or worried. It is important to know that both panic attacks and anxiety attacks are common
and that they are not alone with their experience," says Dr. Bolt.

HOW TO DEAL WITH A PANIC ATTACK AT NIGHT

Comprehensive peer reviewed studies into the specific field of panic attacks, both during the daytime and at night, have revealed many ways to deal with panic attack or anxiety attack at night.

“People suffering from panic attacks often think that there is something “wrong with them” and feel ashamed or worried. It is important to know that both panic attacks and anxiety attacks are common and that they are not alone with their experience”, says Dr. Bolt.

Getting help

The individual's partner often feels the impact of nocturnal panic attacks. That's why it's crucial to get help for your own sake and for the sake of the person with whom you share a bed. The above tips can help a partner through a stressful situation.

"Sometimes individuals with (nocturnal) panic attacks and/or sleeping problems medicate with benzodiazepines (a prescribed drug to calm down and relax). This is never a helpful strategy in the longer term! These drugs are addictive and withdrawal from them can worsen panic attacks and sleeping problems.", Dr. Bolt explains.

"We, at The Kusnacht Practice, using a tailor-made 360-degree approach can support you with psychological strategies to calm down and manage your anxieties, as well as-if wished by a patient-with non-addictive medication to help with sleep and panic attacks. Furthermore, the healthcare professional in our BIO-R team can help you with tailored micronutrients and complementary therapies to improve sleep and lower anxiety levels. Getting the body's chemistry right can help reduce anxiety and other symptoms of panic disorder, making our BIO-R® programme an invaluable service."

The mental health specialists at The Kusnacht Practice are known worldwide for how they handle intense anxiety disorders and nocturnal panic attacks. In unparalleled comfort, our team of experts with years of relevant experience will spend as much time as needed to understand the root cause and emotional symptoms of your nocturnal panic or anxiety attacks and treat them.

This means that you will get a good night's sleep, but you'll also be more resilient to stress, depression, and anxiety elsewhere in your life. You'll be able to sleep soundly without ongoing dependence on medication or other equipment.

To get the help you deserve, reach out to the team at The Kusnacht Practice for personalised and best-in-class mental health advice, care, and treatment.

In order to learn more about anxiety disorder treatment at The Kusnacht Practice contact our specialists.