How do you tell the difference between a night time panic attack and a "night terror" (is there a difference)
I’ve had both, though only one or two panic attacks while asleep.
For me, the panic attack was more of the sensation of a panic attack that woke me up. Like sometimes I’ll get a feeling of being startled, that lasts a while when a panic attack comes on, or a momentary feeling of dizziness, like the room is moving. It was physical feelings.
The night terror was a super intense nightmare that I couldn’t wake from. I was crying and screaming, aloud, but no one could wake me. I finally woke up in a pool of sweat and my face was wet with tears. It was weird.
Comments
Comment from maryB
Time December 27, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I’ve had both, though only one or two panic attacks while asleep.
For me, the panic attack was more of the sensation of a panic attack that woke me up. Like sometimes I’ll get a feeling of being startled, that lasts a while when a panic attack comes on, or a momentary feeling of dizziness, like the room is moving. It was physical feelings.
The night terror was a super intense nightmare that I couldn’t wake from. I was crying and screaming, aloud, but no one could wake me. I finally woke up in a pool of sweat and my face was wet with tears. It was weird.
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Comment from laidE bright eyes
Time December 27, 2009 at 8:44 pm
well night terrors happen during sleep and usually you are not aware anything is going on. example: i used to have night terrors. i would have no clue what i was doing i would scream and cry then wake up with mom sitting at the edge of my bed trying to calm me down. I also have an anxiety disorder and when i get attacks it is hard to breathe and im well aware of when they are going to happen and when they do happen. they are very different from each other. the only thing they have in common is that you are not in control.
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Comment from sandi
Time December 27, 2009 at 7:50 pm
panic attackes the person is actually awake and aware. Night terrors are like nightmares that one cannot get out of – usually the child (although some adults do suffer from them) are usually not conscience of their own existance and the fact that they are dreaming. Sometimes the person will wake up – which can cause some confussion issues as they come to – but sometimes after the yelling/crying/screaming they pass back into peaceful sleep.
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