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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!