People who suffer from panic attacks often report that they feel they will die. In fact, panic attacks themselves do not cause harm; they occur randomly and can often mimic the feeling of a heart attack. Nocturnal panic attacks come on at night when a person has just falling asleep. The Mayo Clinic says, "nighttime or nocturnal panic attacks occur with no obvious trigger and wake you up from sleep." They do not result from dreams and usually last ten to twenty minutes.
Breathing
During a nocturnal panic attack, a person will wake up trying hard to breathe and will often begin to hyperventilate. Sleep Review says, "If a person suddenly awakens from a deep sleep with chest pain and breaths can only be taken in short, unfulfilling gasps, it can leave that person feeling suffocated and dizzy." As the attack subsides, breathing will return to normal and chest pain will go away as their heart rate returns to normal.
Fear
Another common symptom is the fear of dying. For some sufferers, the breathing problems can resemble a heart attack or make them feel like their body has begun to shut down. People who suffer from panic attacks also say that they fear the loss of control or that they are going crazy. Many will also feel detached from their bodies and lose their sense of reality. The Mayo Clinic website states, "These signs and symptoms are quite alarming and can mimic those of a heart attack or other serious medical condition." These feelings will slowly go away as the panic attack winds down.
Body
The body becomes directly affected by a panic attack and a person will often sweat heavily and can get the chills, often at the same time. Nocturnal panic attacks can cause shaking as well. Many people also report tingling or loss of sensation in their extremities. Sleep Reviews states that, "These symptoms arise suddenly even though there is no actual threat." The key to recovering from panic attacks includes the need for sufferers to stop feeling scared of them and the feelings they produce. Often therapy and medication can help this process.
