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NOCTURNAL PANIC ATTACKS In these days of stress and strain, a good nights sleep is of utmost importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, however, more and more people nowadays are subject to regular panic attacks at night. And most people dont realize the cause for this frightening problem.
Nocturnal panic attacks usually start in a really low-key manner. You go to sleep secure in the knowledge that a night of sound sleep is needed. But just as you are undergoing a transition from one sleep-state to another, something scares you badly, and you suddenly find yourself sitting upright and sweating profusely. You breathe rapidly and have a terrible pain in your chest. There is a general sense of despair. Dont worry. You are not going crazy. It is just a bout of nocturnal panic attack.
It is useless to try and pin down when and why nocturnal panic attacks happen. It is still mainly a mystery to all of us. These panic attacks come and go as they wish and have no relation whatsoever with your dreams. People generally dont even remember their nightmares. Only the sense of panic attached to them remains etched. Besides, bad dreams generally occur at a different phase during sleep than panic attacks.
Why
Though a definite cause can never be pinpointed, some specialists believe that people who suffer from sleep apnea might experience nocturnal panic attacks due to this. Sleep apnea generally causes an increased amount of blood flow and an exaggerated heart rate. Your body naturally reacts by experiencing anxiety which leads to panic attacks. It is a natural protective act of the body.
What
There is a large percentage of people who experience panic attacks during the day as well as during the night. But it may be mentioned here that nocturnal panic attacks constitute only 10% of the total amount of panic attacks. It has been noted that people who worry unnecessarily about things which are not very likely to happen, like people who are afraid of suffering a heart attack. They are generally the kind of people who experience nocturnal panic attacks.
Remedy The most effective thing you can do to prevent these attacks from happening is making a list of your bedtime rituals. Think about everything that you do. Don't stint with the details. Tax your brains. Do not leave out even the smallest detail. Do not take any habit lightly as they might be the key to a sound bout of sleep. Concentrate on your diet especially.
According to National Sleep Foundation, taking control of your diet is one of the most effective things to do. Try to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages after noon. Also, reduce your consumption of artificial sweeteners.
Try and test out various methods. And finally stick to the one which seems to work best for you. Avoiding afternoon naps, bringing about a change in your diet are some of the major things which you can work on. And if nothing works, then do go and see a doctor, because your body does need the rest.
| To find out how you can eliminate panic attacks for good, click here.
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