Panic attacks are unpredictable, especially panic attacks that interrupt sleep because you cannot do anything about them except wake up in fear. Panic attacks that interrupt sleep are not only scary but they are very disorienting because that is not the normal circumstance in which people are supposed to wake up, and this make them dangerous. However, there are ways in which you can prevent panic attacks that interrupt sleep.

The first nocturnal panic that anyone suffers is also the worst because it is not possible to rationalize why a peaceful sleep could lead to waking up in mysterious fear and a list of physical symptoms that indicate something very wrong with your body. The following attacks are not convenient but at least the patients know what to expect. It is this awareness that results from frequent panic attacks that is useful in fighting against them. The one rule is that if you have panic attacks in daytime then you are very likely to have panic attacks that interrupt sleep.

The most convenient way of preventing panic attacks that interrupt sleep is to take some form of medication just before going to sleep. However, the most convenient method is the least recommended because most of these medications will either cause drowsiness the next day, disrupt your normal sleep patterns, or they will most likely be addictive. Unfortunately, in some cases, especially those of advanced panic disorder, there might be no options except taking medication.

A safer way is to alter your lifestyle to make sure you are at your most relaxed during the time leading up to sleep. Do not consume caffeine or sugary foods in the evening. If meditation works for you then there is nothing like it, or you could try listening to some relaxing music. Lavender is an essential part of aromatherapy and it can act as a good relaxant. Another thing to do is include some white noise in your surroundings when you lie down. This keeps the mind attracted in one place rather than wondering around. Note that some people find white noise very annoying so this may not work for you.

In case you experience panic attacks that interrupt sleep despite doing all of the above then you will need to help yourself a bit more aggressively. Since you are returning to consciousness from sleep after waking up from panic attacks that interrupt sleep you must calm yourself slowly. The easiest way to do this is to focus your mind on something very specific and obvious. The key is to form a habit of always focusing on this object that you can see and gain a familiarity that closely associates you to consciousness. This way you know when you wake up suddenly that you are looking at something you would have to be awake to see. First get a grip on the fact that you are no longer asleep then go through the reassurance exercises you normally do to get yourself out of panic attacks. Some people report that getting out of bed and going out in the fresh air helps.