Nocturnal Panic Attacks

While most panic attacks people experience during the day, but there it is also common for people to experience panic attacks at night. These panic attacks are commonly known as nocturnal panic attacks.

Panic attacks can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common is usually caused by high levels of stress or anxiety. Other times panic attacks may occur if the mind senses imminent danger and is the body’s natural way of protecting itself.

Many times panic attacks will occur when no levels of high stress or cause are apparent and will strike without warning. People that are high strung or have a family history of panic attacks will suffer from panic attacks more than most other people.

One reason why people may suffer from panic attacks at night is if they have a disorder known as sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea is a disorder which can cause the heart rate to go up and therefore increasing the blood flow. These symptoms alone may in turn lead to a high level of anxiety and result in triggering other panic attack symptoms.

By making changes in your diet you can help reduce nocturnal panic attacks. Be careful about eating a full meal late at night before going to sleep as your body has a harder time relaxing because it’s busy using blood to digest food. It’s also a good to eliminate excess amounts of caffeine, alcohol and sugar from your diet if you are a frequent victim of nocturnal panic attacks.

Another way to help reduce nocturnal panic attacks is by exercising. In today’s world a sedentary lifestyle has been increasingly commonplace. It has been proven that at least 30 - 45 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 days a week  can help people sleep better at night and is a great way to get rid of pent up stress and anxiety in your life.

It’s important to realize that nocturnal panic attacks just like your average panic attack are treatable. With the right attitude and level of determination panic attacks can be stopped from tormenting your life.