What causes panic attacks at night?
We are all for bedtime scares but not when it involves waking up to a heart-pounding, sweaty mess that leaves you wondering what caused such an unexpected intruder in your peaceful sleep. The night terror as they call it is becoming quite common these days, and let’s admit there is nothing pleasurable about waking up with jitters.
But why do we experience this most unwelcoming guest? What makes our body react in such an erratic manner at the dead of the night?
Sit tight as we unveil some funny yet strange causes of nighttime panic attacks.
Stressful Day? You Will Dread Your Night!
Let’s face it, who doesn’t have a stressful day today? But little did we know how big that can impact our sleeps. Although stress during the day may seem harmless, prolonged symptoms could lead to anxiety disorders- which increases susceptibility towards nocturnal fears.
Stress produces cortisol – the guilty hormone, disrupting other hormones while preparing us to take action against emergencies and making sure everything else becomes insignificant.
Addison’s disease or Cushing syndrome result from long-term exposure; Too much or too little cortisol production respectively- resulting in adrenal dysfunctioning — increasing chances of panic disorders thus increase vulnerability to panic attacks occurring during sleeping hours.
Furthermore—Post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) develops due to high levels of emotional distress brought forth by highly traumatic life events like accidents or crimes-giving way for anxiety-related aggression triggering unwanted distractions before bed! These relentless thoughts linger into nightmares then eventually escalate into full-on night terrors.
Researchers at Stanford University found those who couldn’t overcome their daytime worries were more likely prone to experiencing insomnia (sleepless nights) than those who took care of them efficiently throughout the day. In summary never carry your entire day on your head past bedtime.
That Family Tree might Just be Your Worst Enemy.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And so, if your family has a history of anxiety disorders or panic attacks, including are predisposed (meaning genetically prone) to nighttime terrors.
Research by the National Institute of Mental Health(NIMH) reveals inherited genes attributing towards development in neurotransmission signaling in areas involved with stress regulation could increase risk among individuals exposed to identical environmental factors after birth.
Getting it from mom and dad got more significant chances than getting it alone/ independently– A study revealed that folks whose parent display evident signs(Behavioral traits)of Night Terror Disorders(NTD)had 8-times higher possibilities .
Therefore finding out about relatives(or both parents!)could be essential also while preventive measures like therapy-(organized session(s))or medications prescribed by a licensed physician.
Who Knew… Iron-Deficiency Could Also Scare You
Iron-deficiency gives our fears power! (yes, you read right.) So we all know having quality blood supply is crucial for optimal health, oxygen carrying capacity bringing us those fast jogs etc. But who knew other things needed iron too? Yep, you guessed right – our brain cells!
ferritin levels decrease as “we grow” up—other inappropriate metaphors apply—but abnormal production triggers activity disrupting a balance between GABA and glutamate resulting in stress reactions—the erratic body response during sleep-time explained!
Moreover-low ferritin amounts cause the reduction of dopamine transporting protein expression causing inadequacy thus hindering cerebrum receptors responsible for generating excitement signals due to dominant players’ influences-Dopamine/Norepinephrine harmful effects causes Phenomenon-like symptoms resulting in racing hearts since stimulation increases sensitivity during REM sleep periods. It’s critical folks get their daily nutritious dose/day without coming close/crossing the exceeding dosage limits risking toxicity-dangerous!
It might seem ironic; being anemic can evoke a vigorous response!
Remember ‘Fight or Flight’ from High School Biology? It’s Here to Scare You Now.
Our body is a super machine; with intricate systems doing excellent jobs, it’s very own security protocol for survival—The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).
It promotes the fight and flight mode in times of emergency(because let’s face it no one would be sane enough to have excellent relaxation timing when exposed to hazards) but what happens if this powerhouse goes into overdrive?
Everyone has had that experience—the adrenaline rush– getting ready for whatever comes next.
But upregulation(on/off switch intensifying cell activities beyond normal limits)- triggers vicious cycles inclusive of disrupting our heart rate making us feel like impending doom. Stimulants such as caffeine(even chocolate!)and taking medications containing similar molecules could trigger severe panic disorders caused by stimulating SNS activity—a mistake made way too many times than we’d care to admit!
Lastly-Hyperventilation syndrome(common phenomenon today) where individuals excessively inhale and exhale while exerting themselves disturbing blood chemistry responsible for balance shifts causing anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks during sleep periods(thunderclap headaches included!). So much excitement all because of simple breathing?!
Therefore breathing right(it’s Free!!) maybe an optimal solution—one less thing to worry about makes more room for quality sleep without needing those shady tapes. (with ironic reasons)
Blame Your Bedtime Food Habits!
Okay, imagine being stuck on a deserted island with unlimited food options… One downer though-everything you eat becomes your bedtime snack—for the rest of time!!!! How terrible would that feel?! Frankly speaking, our feeding habits influence sleeping patterns more than we realize—hitting cakes comes with hitting three hundred nightmares!
Stimulating nighttime snacks increase sugar levels changing hormonal balances —tipping towards undesirable downstream effects waking us in-between sleep stages. We never seem to learn, do we? Caffeinated drinks or alcohol(particularly before bedtime!) trigger panic symptoms as they disturb sleep regulation processes.
So, what should you opt for ten minutes/prior bedtime:
- Chamomile tea
- Oats
- Almonds
- Banana
- Tryptophan-rich snack
Above the list of most desirable nutritional options that promote healthy sleeping habits initiated by calming hormones and maintaining glucose homeostasis in your system—leaving nightmares on a deserted island! (Thanks to Bananas)
Turning Fear into Power!
Fears will always be an adversary staying true to our mental maps–learning how it affects us is the first step towards gaining control!
It’s all fun till nighttime terrors/ attacks become regular occurrences indicating risks beyond normal ranges interferes with everyday living lives. Nobody deserves torturous nights due to fears developed from common scenarios—the above knowledge a guide channeled towards controlling factors—not allowing them mastery over ruinous poorly executed episodes losing precious moments capable of being more than just darkness.
Taking active measures might feel overwhelming at first; however, procrastination time only gives fear tools necessary to create probable conditions worsening current status, making management impossible alone — lack of proper understanding leading mainly nowhere!
In conclusion:
Be mindful of daily stressors avoid slackness while managing emotional triggers.
Check out family history giving you steps needed fortifying against inherited tendencies.
Make healthier food choices consistent relaxed breathing routine.
Report panic disorders promptly preventing escalation avoiding unnecessary horrors!
Fear can turn into power only when individuals know where they stand and act accordingly rather than stagnation(“Comfortability”).
Start fighting back those night monsters right now—and sail away peacefully onto happier dreams!