A health condition in which a person wakes up in fear during the night is called a nocturnal panic attack. When it occurs, you may experience breathing problems and have fast heartbeats. Usually, people with panic attacks or panic disorders are more prone to nocturnal panic attacks. In most cases, doctors recommend CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and medicines (such as antidepressants) to relieve the symptoms.
In other words, this condition is a sudden feeling of fear that wakes you from sleep. Furthermore, approximately 11% of the population in the U.S. experiences a panic attack every year. About 7 in 10 people with panic disorder (recurrent panic attacks) also develop nocturnal panic attacks.
What is The Difference between Nocturnal Panic Attacks and Night Terrors?
While both disorders have similar symptoms, there is a difference between them. Those who experience night terrors are unaware they have them. Moreover, it is quite difficult to wake them. In most cases, people fall back to sleep after an episode, and they do not remember anything in the morning. In general, children are more prone to night terrors. However, a nocturnal panic attack wakes you up from sleep, and you are aware of an intense feeling of fear, as well as other panic attack symptoms (such as fast breathing). Usually, it takes a long time to fall asleep again, and nocturnal panic attacks mostly affect teens and adults.
Symptoms
In general, nocturnal panic attacks cause similar symptoms to attacks during the day, and some research suggests that people who experience panic attacks during the night may also experience more severe breathing problems (such as shortness of breath). Check below for other symptoms of nocturnal panic attacks:
- Chest pain
- Intense feeling of terror
- Nausea
- Chills
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Fast heart rate
- Trembling or shaking
- Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
In most cases, the symptoms of nocturnal panic attacks last a few minutes (up to 10 minutes) and then subside. However, it may take a long time to fall asleep again. In any case, contact your healthcare professional if you or your child has any of the previous symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors
Healthcare providers do not fully understand why people experience panic attacks. However, they believe something affects how your brain and nervous system perceive and process fear and anxiety. In most cases, panic attacks occur during the day. Even a nonthreatening situation can cause a panic attack. Nocturnal panic attacks occur similarly. Moreover, doctors have identified some factors that could increase your risk of developing nocturnal panic attacks. These include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Insomnia (such as sleep apnea)
- Anxiety disorders
- Anger or hostility issues
- Substance or disorders (including alcohol use disorder)
What Are The Potential Complications of a Nocturnal Panic Attack?
This condition negatively affects the quality of sleep. As a result, it may lead to multiple complications (such as insomnia). However, people may also experience other complications. Examples include:
- Mental disorders (such as anxiety, depression, and others)
- Increased stress and irritability
- Poor performance at school or work
- Frequent panic attacks during the day
- Weight gain
- Fear of sleep
- Impaired functioning
- Suicidal thoughts (in severe cases)
This article does not contain all possible complications of the nocturnal panic attacks. In any case, you can consult with your healthcare professional about measures to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Nocturnal Panic Attacks?
Generally, there is no way to prevent this condition. However, doctors may recommend some tips to reduce the risk of panic attacks. For example:
- Dietary changes – Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks before bedtime.
- Regularly perform physical exercise – In general, it is recommended to perform physical exercises for 30 minutes, at least 5 days a week. It also helps get and maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress – You can use meditation, tai chi, or call a friend to reduce stress.
- Get treatment for chronic health conditions – For example, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and others.
- Medicines and supplements – Never administer medicines or supplements without a doctor’s approval because it may lead to unpleasant results.
Diagnosis
This condition is often confirmed by ruling out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. These include heart disease, thyroid disease, and others. Usually, physicians diagnose nocturnal panic attacks based on the symptoms, risk factors, and test results.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop a nocturnal panic attack, and the only option is to let the symptoms run their course. In some cases, doctors may recommend medicines to lessen the symptoms. In general, the treatment for nocturnal panic attacks often involves therapies and medications. Check some treatments below:
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications – These medicines are used to ease the symptoms. Sometimes, people may get rid of panic attacks completely after a course of these medicines. However, it may take from 6 to 8 weeks to notice improvements.
- Benzodiazepines – These medications are often prescribed by doctors for people with severe symptoms. They are often used for short periods because they are habit-forming. Physicians commonly prescribe Clonazepam or Alprazolam.
- Beta-blockers – In most cases, physicians recommend Propranolol to reduce physical symptoms of a panic attack.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This is a type of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) used to identify panic attack triggers and manage them. CBT also helps change how you think about and respond to these triggers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for people who have nocturnal panic attacks?
Most of the time, panic attacks are treatable, and most people notice improvements with treatment. Those who are able to handle daytime panic attacks often notice improvements in the frequency and severity of nighttime panic attacks.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If any of the following symptoms occur, immediately contact your doctor. For example:
- Insomnia
- Extreme irritability
- Problems with focusing or concentrating
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Symptoms of sleep apnea (such as snoring or gasping for breath)
- Persistent anxiety
What causes panic attacks at night?
Usually, nocturnal panic attacks are triggered by a mix of stress, underlying anxiety, poor sleep habits, substance use (including alcohol and caffeine), certain health conditions (such as sleep apnea or acid reflux), and others. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
