I am not familiar with nicotine patches but I have heard of such instances where people have really strange dreams while on them. Nicotine generally has a soothing calming effect on the nervous system. So its possible that you are absorbing such a low dose while sleeping that its causing the attacks. I believe that a lot of people are usually prescribed wellbutrin to help quit while on the patch or gum or whatever. I quit several years ago for about a year. Then I went on cymbalta and was smoking again in no time.

It is said that it takes 3 -5 days to get the nicotine out of your system if you quit cold turkey. I just went 10 days without a cigarette. Then I realized I cant quit while I am still married cause my wife drives me to smoke....

Pat

Pat