night time attacks need help?

Hi

I have experienced this, usually when I have just drifted off to sleep I wake up gasping for air. Although, I have had them also when I have been asleep for a while. I find I am prone to them when I am overly tired or have been travelling a lot.

I'm not aware of a cure for this, although I have cut down on my caffine in take on a night, and tend to relax more on an evening if I've had a hectic day. This appears to have helped me.

I have heard writing a list of things on your mind before you go to bed is supposed to help. I think it's so you know you wont forget stuff, so you don't have to think about them whilst you are sleeping. I haven't tried this though.

Take care

I suffered from attacks at bedtime, sometimes to the point where I would be awake all night because I was scared of going to sleep incase I never woke up but Im getting thru it never and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, The only thing I can suggest you do is see your GP get them to refer you to a good counsellor. Maybe try some medication, This is what I did and Im coming thru it ok. The other thing is when you are in the process of having an attack or you can feel one coming on then try the 7/11 breathing exercises. You have got to try to relax at bedtime, have a relaxing bath and a hot milky drink. This may help you to relax a bit.
Hope I have been of some help for you.x

Hi Glen
Sometimes these disrupted sleep patterns start with a period of anxiety or just a time when we are too stretched, then even when that time gets easier it becomes a pattern or a habit.

I think the first step is to learn how to relax during the day, there is a lot of information on 7:11 breathing and self hypnosis throughout the main site, this will help to calm the mind and body so that it doesn't have to be so busy at night!!!!!

Let us know how you get on

Jill

Hi glenwinwood,

I always thought that once I was asleep I was safe from my anxiety, and for a while I was, but soon I started having panic attacks during sleeping hours and eventually this lead to a mild fear of sleeping. Up at 3am on the bathroom floor ready to tear down the walls with frustration - sound familiar?

What you have to remember is that your brain is still active. It's still thinking, it just shuts down certain bits so you don't sleepwalk etc. Your brain does still think, so it can still perceive danger. If it couldn't, a burglar could break into the house in the night as loudly as s/he wanted and you wouldn't wake up. It's a useful mechanism.

The very few ways I've found to combat night panic attacks are to spray my pillow and sheets with some sort of sleep aromatherapy spray. There are plenty out there. I never used to believe in that stuff, it's probably psychological anyway lol, but it just makes me feel more secure for some reason. I also read a bit before I go to bed, and keep it there to distract myself in case of panic. Before I go to sleep I listen to music as well, and I keep it there in case of emergencies lol. I might also pace around a bit to calm myself down. You definitely should learn relaxation and breathing techniques. They are very useful. When your heart is racing and you bring it down by regulating your breathing it is an amazing feeling, that gives you a bit of control.

I think the most important thing is to recognise your only having a panic attack and it won't harm you. It's often hard at this time of night/morning to think clear and it's quite frustrating!!

All the best,
Lesley xxx

I have my panic attacks either first thing in the morning, or I wake up 20 times a night. I think the most I sleep at night is 4 or 5 hours, and it isn't because I am not tired. A lot of the times I have to go in and wake up my room mate so I can talk for a little bit. It doesn't always help the anxiety, but it gets me through the time period. .

Aimee