Is this a night panic attack

[Louisa111]

I've had a history of mild anxiety before but have been fine now for a few years and no medication for it since then
However just lately I've been feeling very strange at night.. at first I thought I just wasn't well but this keeps happening quite regular.. I can go to bed then literally from nowhere I feel sick, shakey, pins and needles in my hands and feet, sweaty hands and just generally nervous... I'm guessing this is a night time panic attack.. it's quite scary but I don't quite know what to do about it

[3teens2cats]

I have had these. I was very dubious at first when gp said it was a panic attack but I do have to say I get them less frequently now I know what it is. I literally felt like I could not get out of bed or I would fall over, dizzy, sweating, dry mouth, heart racing. I thought something was very wrong! I don't get it in the daytime and my general anxiety I would describe as mild now I regularly use cbt techniques.

[3teens2cats]

Just to add, the GP had no specific advice on how to stop it other than to remind myself that it's ok and the feeling will pass. I was going to bed worried that it would happen which obviously didn't help at all.

[Ladybird37]

I’ve been getting similar, out of nowhere for a few months. I wake with a start and feel scared and claustrophobic. I can’t stay in bed and sometimes have even gone outside. It feels so frightening and lonely at that time of night doesn’t it? I feel scared to go to sleep now Incase it happens. I feel for you, don’t know what the answer is.

[swingofthings]

I've had these too really thought I was having seizures. They were night time panic attacks although didn't suffer from anxiety but now know they were the perimenopause knocking at the door.

[Louisa111]

Thank you everyone.. it's definitely not nice. I am wondering if it's hormone related as I'm early 40s so could be peri- menopause looming .. any tips on what to do when it happens, it's the sickness feeling that's the worse as I hate being sick and that makes me feel worse .. I guess deep breathing may help

[helzapoppin2]

I’ve had similar recently, due to being unwell. I have a routine. Throw off, or worm my way out of the duvet and cool down. Turn on light. Get my breathing under control, and calm down. Have a few sips of water. Maybe put the radio on. By that time, I’m much calmer, and cooler.
Needless to say I sleep alone!