Why do you feel tired after a panic attack?

Are you often left feeling exhausted after experiencing a panic attack? Well, you’re not alone! Many people experience fatigue and tiredness after going through an intense bout of anxiety. But why is that the case? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind why panic attacks can leave us feeling drained.

Understanding Panic Attacks

Before delving into the topic at hand, let’s first define what exactly constitutes a panic attack. Essentially, it’s an episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and typically includes symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling/shaking and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be so severe that those experiencing them may even think they’re having a heart attack!

A key factor to note is that although these physical sensations are undeniably unpleasant – they aren’t actually dangerous (even though they seem like it!). Knowing this could help reduce feelings of panic in future episodes.

What Happens During A Panic Attack?

During times of stress and anxiety our brain activates its ‘fight or flight’ response system which triggers physiological changes throughout your body aimed at preparing you for danger (such as running away or defending yourself against an attacker). This ancient mechanism served our prehistoric ancestors well when facing predators out in the wild but nowadays tends to trigger during situations which don’t necessarily require immediate action e.g., public speaking or exams.

Some common physiological responses include:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Faster breathing
  • Tense muscles
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Sweating

When we experience all these changes happening simultaneously like during apanic attack,our bodies tire easily leaving us depleted afterwards.

Adrenaline Rush

One reason for post-anxiety exhaustion is adrenaline – whenever there’s any perceived threat around us (real or imagined), adrenaline floods our bloodstream activating certain parts;this makes sense because more energy means we’ll either defend ourselves or flee.However, what if instead, we’re in a position where we can’t take immediate action to resolve the situation (e.g. watching news of natural disaster unfolding),? Adrenaline builds up, and once adrenaline levels drop after the panic attack ends, physical fatigue sets in as your body’s energy reserves get depleted from all that high gear activity it was running on during your panic attack.

So essentially, you’ve become tired because you generated too much energy without being able to expend it.

The Exhausting Role Of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks require considerable amount of energy expenditure! When experiencing anxiety our bodies are working overtime; keep breathing deep breaths, trying not to let constant negative thoughts consume us wholly while still maintaining normal functions like talking and standing upright.This level of exertion means by the time everything is under wraps afterward,it’s perfectly understandable if there’s nothing left over for further physical or mental activities.

Moreover,the repetition tendency of anxiety makes one stuck on its cycle spinning out more anxious thoughts and possibly causing another round.You feel exhausted due to stress hormones generating at these moments holding down your body functioning!

Stress Hormones

Stress activates hormonal responses in our brain letting them flood into bloodstream which triggers fight/flight response.So when that panic button is hit insinuated within head,a chain-reaction begins releasing number of stress hormones including cortisol along with adrenaline.End result? Both activate bodily reactions bracing themselves against hypothetically impending danger,even though none presents itself physically.Then something happens ;since no threat emerges,this instantaneous burst subsides but leaves behind residual effects affecting whole mind/body system making oneself feeling sluggish,uninterested,and disengaged!

If stress levels within us remain consistently above average pressure,stress response will start getting harder activating irregularly worsening anxiety bringing along severe lethargy lasting many hours after an attacked episode has ended! Anxiety then becomes distressful.Experiencing anxiety through provision of cardiac physician comes with excellent advice helpful to manage stress levels in future!

Muscle Tension

One issue with a panic attack that goes unnoticed is the fact your body unconsciously tenses up as if expecting something large and terrifying.Great amounts of energy are expended during this fight/flight response hence leaving you feeling hot then cold or manly drained afterwards muscles unclench.Plus,this tension spreads like wildfire through other areas making daytime post-panic fatigue common knowledge amongst people.

Light stretching exercises or yogic breathing can help relieve muscle stiffness caused by worry.Hatha Yoga sounds like a perfect choice to consider given it combines mindfulness training and physical exercise capable reducing overall anxiety significantly.It can be practiced alone with an online session airing freshly each day on YouTube too!note yoga isn’t for everyone,m therefore consult properly before engaging.

Lack Of Sleep

The body finds sleep difficult following periods where we’ve experienced seizures, particularly when they occur at night. Whether from nightmares about having another one or constant flashbacks about the event itself, it’s hard not to think anxieties will keep resurfacing even whilst one sleeps leading to lack of proper rest at night!

Lack of regular quality sleep results many issues surrounding mental health such as depression cases and worsening ones concentration abilities!Sleep serves fixing aspects within our mind which allets us remain focused throughout daily life.Avid use medications helps regulate sleeping patterns after attacks providing needed energies regained helping harmony between work /daily activities striking balance.But nonetheless,you’ll still experience occasional days feeling sluggish,due effects left behind from previous panic disorders experienced presenting self clearly insides outwards!

Post-Panic Attack Fatigue Symptoms

After experiencing apanic attack ,several persons have felt sudden waves tiredness washing over their bodies just moments after everything is said & done.Let’s list few below:

  • Difficulty focusing due brain fog
  • Mobile Feeling
  • Drowsiness lasting for hours
  • Dizzy spells/ random onset lightheadedness
  • Nausea bouts resulting in vomiting

All of these point to a body that’s been put through tremendous physiological changes as listed above.As such,it’s no wonder why feeling drained is among post-anxiety symptoms experienced least by half persons baring them!

Managing Post-Panic exhaustion

Now we’ve identified what has led us here – how do we navigate the aftermath effectively? Below are few tips can help recuperate after attacks and possibly reducing chances of another happening:

  1. Get plenty of rest, including regular sleeping patterns;
  2. Set realistic expectations from yourself for daily activities; choose leisure priorities vs job workload towards attaining balance;
    3.Eat healthily & avoid unhealthy snacks/drinks restrictive human body digestion speeds leading lethargy. Increase water intake staying hydrated.
    4.Seek social support via informal interviews or therapy sessions to talk about triggers causing panicking waves occur often.

One strategy combined with prior mentioned ones include becoming more mindful! Mindfulness tells us precisely how our bodies will behave discomfort generated,presenting guide on taking cues related developing early responses before panic sets.You’ll be able drop anxiety significantly without passing slightest nod others whilst focusing together further ahead within life goals.You don’t have to get rid of anxiety worrying completely but you sure could reduce suffering faced during attacked episodes which altogether creates tired feelings afterwards hopefully aiming better productivity and clarity throughout day-to-day activities!

Conclusion

In conclusion – it’s perfectly natural (albeit frustrating!) to feel tired after experiencing a panic attack.A wide array physiological factors combine making our mind/body complex process end up leaving people incredibly depleted once everything has subsided permanently.Fortunately there are several strategies discussed for improving one’s mental health following episode.These include exercise,healthy eating habits , adequate sleep timetable,and mindfulness techniques added on group discussions relating support circles.One need not be bullied by the effects of panic attack aftermath.Lifestyle changes focusing on self-care can lessen impact and bring more enjoyment to life.

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