Coping with panic attacks at night can be extremely difficult. They are often unpredictable and catch sufferers by complete surprise. When a person wakes up from a nocturnal attack they feel completely disorientated and frightened. The room is dark. They might feel shaken and be in complete sweats. Their pulse is going like a machine gun and their breath is heavy and fast.

Disturbing and upsetting symptoms like derealization and depersonalization can occur. If they have problems controlling their breath, they may begin to hyperventilate which only worsens the situation. Feelings of dread and fear floods through them and they might feel like they're losing their mind. Chest pains and a gagging feeling are common symptoms. It's no wonder sufferers often believe they're having a heart attack.

Because attacks can be out of the blue it's helpful to learn methods for controlling panic attacks. Meditation is a great way in how to stop a panic attack. By being in control of your breath you can prevent hyperventilation and help yourself calm during an attack. Hyperventilation can cause panic attacks and also make them much harder to handle.

Hyperventilation is normally characterized with rapid and sharp breathing, dizziness, confusion, chest pains, nausea and tingling sensations. A sufferer may find it extremely difficult to catch their breath and feel like they're suffocating. In more than 50% of attacks a sufferer will experience hyperventilation, which is why it's important to learn how to control this frightening symptom.  

Learning to meditate or control your breath might sound easy enough but it can take a little practice for some people. Anxious people and people who are often stressed may find that their breathing is generally shallow. In fact, most people, unless they exercise will probably go through the day without taking a single full inhalation. Utilizing the lungs fully is not only calming for the body and mind but healthy.

If you have time to practice deep breathing now, get yourself in a comfortable upright seated position. Place your hands down on your lap and place your feet square on the floor. Begin to breathe in deeply and slowly, the key is not to rush your breathing. Feel your lungs completely fill on each inhalation and then gently exhale completely. As you breathe in, imagine your lungs filling up to the top.

When you breathe out, breathe out any negative tension and feel your body relax more and more. Ease any tension in your muscles working from your head to your toes. Close your eyes and continue breathing deeply for 10 minutes or as long as you want. When you want to stop, just open your eyes and loosen up your body. You should feel wonderfully calm and relaxed.

Regular practice is effective at reducing stress and tension. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. When you've mastered your breath it can be effective in coping with panic attacks in both the day and night. Next time you have a night time attack focus on your breathing to help calm you. Continue this until the symptoms subside. Meditation can be combined with behavioral therapy to help a person regain control of their life.