Have you ever heard the phrase "nocturnal panic attacks" before? Probably not.
I know that I hadn't, even though I'd lived with severe panic and anxiety for over 17 years.
But even though I wasn't familiar with the term "nocturnal panic attacks," I definitely was suffering from them.
A nocturnal panic attack is simply any panic attack that occurs while you're in bed trying to fall asleep, that wakes you from your sleep during the night, or that strikes shortly after you wake in the morning.
They're usually extremely intense, and may be considerably stronger than your other panic attacks.
This was the case for me, certainly.
Some of the worst attacks of my life came while I was in bed, either while I was asleep, or while I was lying there awake.
No one knows why these night time attacks are so unbearable.
But there are some great tips you can start following to reduce your risk of experiencing them in the future.
First of all, don't do anything stimulating for an hour or so before bed.
This includes things like watching TV, exercising, listening to loud music, and any arguing or friction with anyone else.
Also, avoid food and drinks that are stimulants.
Sugary drinks, coffee, etc.
The other thing you can do is to listen to relaxation CDs for 5 or 10 minutes before you try to sleep.
This sets your mind at ease and you're far less likely to have any problems during the night if you make this a habit.
Nocturnal panic attacks are horrible, but if you focus on making your sleeping experience a calm one, they'll soon be a thing of the past.