Night panic attacks

[Ladybird37]

I’ve woken up after being asleep for a couple of hours and then had a panic attack several times this week. Last night I got out of bed to go downstairs to listen to meditation and read and in the end I went out for a walk, finally calming down to sleep again by about 4. I’ve had 2 or 3 of these panic attacks in the last 6 weeks or so but every night this week. When I spoke to my go before Xmas, she was dismissive. What can I do? I’m so tired and getting scared to go to bed.

Hi, I get them too. I find drinking a cold glass of water before bed helps and during an attack. I get them when I’m particularly stressed. Looking after myself in the day a bit better helps. When they happen I tell myself to just ride them out and they won’t harm me. The more worked up I get the worse they get. I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, i’ll Try the water and try to relax a bit better before bed. Do you get several nights in a row or just odd nights?

Your gp may have been dismissive. I think the NICE guidelines suggest 'watchful waiting' approach initially to see if it resolved itself.

As it's distressing you, you can absolutely go back and ask for either medication or cbt. Medication will treat the symptoms quicker but cbt will help you with the causes of panic.

Or this book is excellent if you want to do this yourself:

Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0956596258/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_gQ-yCbC9HD45A

Thanks, that’s good to know. I’ll go back. The silly thing is that I know about can’t and try to practice meditation regularly but I just couldn’t do it last night

Sometimes they are a one off sometimes a few nights running. I found citalopram worked well for my anxiety.

Maybe ad’s are worth a try. I thought that overall I was feeling ok after having a stressful few years and never experiencing this all of that time. When you have them a few nights running do they just stop? Now it’s daytime, it all seems like a bad dream but at night it’s so frightening