Around half of all people who suffer from panic disorder will experience a nocturnal panic attack. While panic attacks during the day are far more common, nocturnal attacks may have even more severe consequences.

Panic attacks occur when a person can no longer control his normal response to stress. Often a stressful life event such as new responsibilities or radical changes will be the trigger of the panic disorder. Those who suffer from panic attacks will sometimes suffer from self doubt and become obsessed with failure. They are often obsessed with the threat of failure. These constant fears can lead to panic attacks. Sometimes though no clear cause can be found.

For many people suffering from panic attacks the night makes things much worse. One of the reasons why this may happen is because the person also has sleep apnea, a disorder which causes the heart rate to go up, increasing the blood flow. This in turn may lead to anxiety which can trigger a panic attack.

A way to reduce nocturnal panic attacks may be to change your diet. You should be especially careful with your final meal of the day. A healthy diet will help you relax and sleep, reducing the risk of having a panic attack. People who suffer from panic disorder should eliminate all forms of caffeine, alcohol and sugar from their diet.

Nocturnal panic attacks can severely affect a person’s quality of life. However they can be successfully reduced. All it takes is determination and the will to take action.