Individuals who struggle with anxiety have most likely experienced what it is like to have a panic attack. It can interfere with your daily life, leaving you feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and emotionally drained. However, panic attacks don’t always occur during the daytime. They can sneak in and take hold when you are at your most vulnerable: at night when you are sleeping.
These nocturnal panic attacks, also known as night terrors, can interfere with your day-to-day life, negatively impacting your overall health and well-being. Understanding why they occur and how to treat them can give you hope for future healing. This way, you can manage your night terrors and live your life without concern.
Night Terrors: What Are They?
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are recurring episodes that occur while you are in NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. This means you aren’t awake, but you aren’t asleep either. They are characterized by screaming, crying, rapid breathing, flailing in bed, sweating, becoming aggressive with others trying to help you, and confusion. Similar to nightmares, they can be full of terrifying imagery that can cause significant disturbances. However, unlike nightmares, you usually won’t remember what happened once you wake up.
What Causes Night Terrors?
There are no accepted reasons that night terrors occur, but scientists have identified certain factors that can increase your chances of having them. For example, adults with night terrors typically have mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Stress in your waking life that is not adequately managed can also impact your sleep, thus resulting in night terrors. Some experts have also linked trauma to night terrors due to the severe stress it can cause individuals. Treatment is recommended to address these underlying issues if you believe they are connected to your night terrors.
Possible Treatment
The best way to treat night terrors is to identify what is causing them. From there, you can begin to address the underlying issues. If you are struggling with a mood disorder, trauma, or long-term stress, seeking out therapy can help you find healing. Therapy is especially recommended if you are trying to cope with the symptoms on your own through self-medication. Enrolling in a treatment program at an accredited facility that treats co-occurring disorders can be your best bet to recover fully.
Nocturnal panic attacks, also known as sleep terrors or night terrors, can distress anyone who experiences them. Your sleep is interrupted, which in turn impacts your wellbeing and overall mental health. Identifying the cause of these can be helpful in treating them. Common causes of night terrors in adults include severe stress, mood disorders, and unresolved trauma. Attempting to cope with these using drugs and alcohol can make them worse, thus increasing your night terrors. Alta Loma Transformational Services can help you heal from addiction, mental health, and other underlying issues. Call us today to learn more at (866) 457-3843.
