Panic Attack-- Nighttime Symptoms

[Kendra]

Has anyone else noticed a difference in the panic symptoms they have, depending on whether the attack happens in the day or at night? I can usually get by the daytime ones with my Xanax and some deep breathing and meditation. These nighttime ones however, I can't bear to live with. I take my nighttime Xanax right before bed and give it 20 minutes to kick in before I actually lay down. But these severe panic attacks wake me up and I'm just hysterical, with severe physical symptoms, regardless of taking the Xanax.

Anyone experience anything like this?

Hi friendlybadger,
I don't think I get panic attacks but I do get really anxious, especially at night. If I am feeling very anxious at night I sometimes get up and turn on the light and then my anxiety level seems to go down. But then if I turn off the light and go back to bed my anxiety level will increase. It's weird. I do feel more helpless, hopeless and vulnerable at night, though. And I'm kind of scared of the dark.

When I'm trying to sleep I can't work on the problems that go on in life and I will not be ready to defend myself if something bad would happen at that time. Perhaps feeling helpless at night makes my anxiety worse.

Do you feel more helplessness or hopelessness at night?

I hope you find something that will help keep your anxiety and panic attacks under control.

 

[friendlybadger]

Thanks for the reply Kendra, I completely relate! Especially this time of year when it's dark so early, I try to avoid the rooms with big windows in my house, and stick to cozy, well-lit rooms. I feel 'safer' that way, and I don't quite get why either.

I think that's a pretty good point I'll have to think about whether I'm feeling helpless or hopeless at night. Its probably a combo deal. I do admit I keep sais (martial arts things) near the bed, "just in case". I was with a stuntman for a bunch of years, so I know how to use them and feel better that they aren't deadly unless chosen to be used that way, unlike guns which totally scare me. I know alot of people disapprove of weapons in the bedroom but I feel safer knowing I have access to some way to defend myself if someone were to break in. And as I say, I am terrified of guns and how they're completely lethal.

I'll have to think more about this to see what's troubling me at night because you made a good point. :)