Panic attacks during sleep.

EyelinerAndCigarettes · 17-09-2015, 10:34 AM

I'm not sure whether this should be here of in MH, so please moddies, feel free to move if needs be.

I seem to be having panic attacks in my sleep when I'm especially anxious during the day/before bed. I fall asleep, worrying & then wake up (I don't know how long after), struggling to breathe, my heart racing, & a general feeling of dread - as if something terrible is going to happen or I'm dying or having a heart attack. I jolt awake & am so so terrified I can't fall back asleep because I'm scared I'll have another panic attack.
I'm not sure whether its related to nightmares, causing me to panic in my sleep, or the fear I fall asleep with.

Is it even possible to have a panic attack in your sleep & have it wake you up? I've never experienced this before & its making sleeping even more difficult than it already was...

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me?

The Queen of Peace · 17-09-2015, 02:05 PM

I guess it would be possible. Because your mind is still active in your sleep.

*hugs* Helen, this sounds really difficult. Do you know what is causing such anxiety, and how you have helped it in the past?

Serendipity. · 17-09-2015, 02:33 PM

I've experienced this occasionally, when I'm having a really difficult time. It is truly horrendous and I'm so sorry you're having to deal with it. *gentle hugs*

Do you know what's making you so anxious at the moment? If you can find a way to deal with that, I'm sure it would help a lot.

If you can make sure you're as relaxed as possible before you go to sleep, that can make a difference. I know it's easier said than done though. Is there anything that might help - writing down your worries, relaxation exercises etc? I wish I had more helpful advice, but I really hope you find something that helps. Also it would be worth discussing with your team / GP because they may have some helpful ideas and to be sure there's nothing else going on. xx

griddlebone · 17-09-2015, 05:06 PM

I get this a couple of times a month, a long with some really weird thought processes. I find the best thing to do is to distract myself until I am calm again, sometimes I even go to another room so I don't associate my bed with stress.

I'm not really sure what to suggest to be honest as I still get them but they are really unpleasant I agree!

EyelinerAndCigarettes · 18-09-2015, 07:55 PM

Thank you all so much for your replies.

I spoke to my therapist today & she suggested writing a list of all my fears, stresses & things I have to do the next day to clear my mind before sleep. She also said if I wake up during a panic attack to leave the room for a bit & take stock of whats going on, that way I'm not falling asleep panicked & have then a further panic attack.

I'm going to trial it tonight & see if it helps.

x x x