panic attacks

wondering · Post by **wondering** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 2:52 pm

Does anyone have any information which possibly connects untreated sleep apnea with nighttime panic attacks? I know that before I was treated I woke up a couple of time sweating and unable to breathe, but I dont think that was a panic attack just the apneas waking me up. Any information is appreciated.

capt · Post by **capt** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:11 pm

You really should go see your doctor immediately and possibly get a referral to a good psychiatrist who specializes in anxiety disorders. This will allow you to get the medication and help you need if you are having panic attacks. I deal with panic attacks and they are no picnic. I can tell you one thing, you cannot simply suck it up and move on. I wish you well and all the best!

Selena · Post by **Selena** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:16 pm

Why do you think you have 'nighttime panic attacks' vs apnea?

wondering · Post by **wondering** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 3:25 pm

Let me clarify.... Someone I know has had untreated sleep apnea for years now and hasnt gotten treatment. Now they are having panic attacks in the middle of the night. I am looking to see if there is a connection here and maybe they really need to get the apena treated ASAP.

I myself have been the proud owner and user of CPAP for about 9 months now....... thanks

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 4:50 pm

wondering,

The night sweats can be a symptom of apnea. (been there....had that)
If by "panic attacks", you mean waking up with heart pounding, that's another symptom. (been there....had that)
Sometimes after that experience a person may be afraid to go back to sleep which may contribute to something like a "panic attack" or feelings of anxiety.

In any case, your friend should see a physican and have a sleep study done.
Those experiences add stress to the heart/cardiovascular system.

Best wishes,

Den

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:42 pm

wondering wrote:Does anyone have any information which possibly connects untreated sleep apnea with nighttime panic attacks?

Yep. If you go into hyperventilation after an apnea attack, then you can have a panic attack because you will not be able to breathe. (been there. . . done that)

I don't think it's the textbook case of a "panic attack", because it's caused by the fact that in blowing off the excess CO2 from the apnea, you overcompensate by blowing off so much CO2 that you literally cannot breathe, and at that point you panic. The solution is simply to control your breathing, exhale very slowly beginning as soon as you wake up. The CO2 will recover quickly.

Regards,
Bill

jdacal · Post by **jdacal** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:40 pm

Wondering,

I used to get massive panic attacks during the day, and wake up in the middle of the night in panic - not knowing what the reason was (blocked airway at night obviously).

Over the years I was given anxiety medications which alleviated it, anti-depressants - even though I never really felt depressed.

This went on for many years on and off.

It all went away after I started CPAP treatments.

My guess is that I was getting so little sleep that I felt so stressed out during the day that it triggered the attacks.

The doctors were treating the symptoms and not the cause, which in my opinion was Sleep Apnea. The doctors never figured out I had apnea - I deduced it after so many years from reading and trying to find out what my problem was. When I told them what I thought I had was when they finally started the proper diagnosis. No more panic attacks!

Just the same, don't assume your cure will be the same as mine - just giving you my personal experience.

wondering · Post by **wondering** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:34 pm

thank you for your responses. It was also my conclusion based on my personal experience in my pre CPAP days. I am going to encourage them to go get the sleep study.....

panic attacks

panic attacks

Panic attacks

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