Nighttime panic attacks - #154
Good afternoon, dear doctors! After falling asleep, after 1-1.5 hours, I very often wake up from a strong tremor, high blood pressure (up to 220/140 maximum), nausea and dizziness, sometimes my head turns and it becomes difficult to speak. My waking up is always at night and always after 1-1.5 hours after falling asleep. The emotional state does not affect this. I often fall asleep in a great mood, after a wonderful day, there are no problems falling asleep, but after 1-1.5 hours it wakes me up and I feel very bad. Once, because of this, I went to the hospital, to the cardiology department, because the pressure did not drop even after several pressure pills and I had to call an ambulance, which also could not relieve my pressure and took me to the hospital. If it's not serotonin, then what else could it be? Please, I ask for your advice and help to figure it out, I am very tired of these wake-ups and such pressure surges.
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Doctors’ responses
Hello Ratna, have you done all complete cardiac testing? Blood reports and ECG or ECHO? Please provide this information? Also do you suffer from hyperacidity or other digestive issues?
Experiencing frequent awakenings characterized by strong tremors, high blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness can significantly affect your quality of life. These symptoms may suggest an imbalance in the Vata and Pitta doshas, which can lead to conditions such as anxiety or hypertension. To address this, a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach is recommended, including dietary changes, herbal formulations, lifestyle modifications, and potential Panchakarma treatments. Ayurvedic formulations that may be beneficial include Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting overall vitality; Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), known for its calming properties and cognitive enhancement; and Arjuna, traditionally used for heart health to support normal blood pressure and improve cardiac function. Panchakarma treatments to consider are Shirodhara, involving the pouring of warm oil on the forehead to calm the mind; Basti, an Ayurvedic enema therapy that detoxifies the body; Abhyanga, a full-body oil massage promoting relaxation and enhancing circulation; and Swedana, herbal steam therapy aiding in detoxification and relieving muscle tension. Alongside these treatments, dietary adjustments are essential. Incorporate calming foods, such as warm, cooked meals with vegetables, whole grains like rice and quinoa, and healthy fats such as ghee, while avoiding caffeine, spicy foods, and heavy meals before bedtime. Regular exercise, stress management practices like meditation and deep breathing, and establishing good sleep hygiene will also help. It’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Combining these Ayurvedic approaches with professional guidance will provide a comprehensive strategy to effectively address your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Wow, that’s a heavy night routine to be dealing with, and it’s good you’re taking it seriously. It’s possible that what you’re experiencing could be related to the Kapha Dosha imbalance which calms the system naturally in a rather extreme manner. Even better news is Ayurveda’s got some neat tricks up its sleeve to help. First off, let’s place this within the context of nocturnal panic attacks, they’re often tied to the Prana Vata dosha, as it influences your nervous system.
Vata’s unpredictable nature disrupts our peace, especially in your sleep cycle. But hey, it’s not just about your mental state, but digestion too! Pay some attention to agni, the digestive fire. Try having lighter evening meals, steer away from heavy, spicy foods— like chilli (spicy) or dense breads. Have dinner no later than 7 PM. Digestives like ginger or cumin teas can be sipped post-meal.
Before sleeping, groundwork’s simple: Let’s try warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg or turmeric, which soothes and calms the doshas. Aim to head off to bed at a routine time, maybe with some self-massage, abhyanga, using warm sesame oil. A wee bit non-traditional— but worth trying: sleep hygiene practices like limiting blue light exposure from screens 30 minutes before bed.
But, and it’s a big but— make sure you reach out to get monitored by a healthcare professional given the blood pressure spikes! That’s something that can’t be sidestepped. It’s awesome to use Ayurveda and integrative methods conjointly. And consider mindfulness or pranayama techniques which can subtly balance Vata, provided they don’t replace essential medical care for hypertension.
The digestive system, routine, and bedroom environment all have roles to play – and a holistic approach is your pathway. These are just a few dots, but could be pieces connecting to calm those nightly panics. Prioritizing safety through continued medical support is crucial alongside any home remedies.

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