It can be alarming to wake up in the middle of the night with a racing heart and overwhelming fear. You might find yourself wondering, Was it a nightmare, or can you have a panic attack in your sleep? The short answer is yes. Nighttime panic attacks, also called nocturnal panic attacks, can last 5-10 minutes, but it can take time to feel calm and settled afterward.
Lightfully offers compassionate, practical support for individuals living with panic disorder and other mental health needs. Below are five key facts about panic attacks that occur during sleep to help you better understand what’s happening.
Fact 1: The symptoms are similar to daytime panic attacks
If you’ve experienced panic attacks during the day, the symptoms of nighttime panic attacks may feel familiar. They often include:
- Intense fear or terror
- Racing heart
- Chest pain or pressure
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes
Just like daytime panic attacks, these physical sensations are very real. When they wake you from sleep, they can feel especially confusing or frightening.
Fact 2: They’re often confused with nightmares or night terrors
Nocturnal panic attacks can be mistaken for nightmares or night terrors, but they’re different experiences. After a nightmare, fear usually fades as you wake up and realize it was a dream. During a panic attack, you typically become fully alert almost immediately because of the intense physical symptoms and fear.
Night terrors are also different. Someone experiencing a night terror may appear awake — sitting up, yelling, or moving — but they’re usually not fully conscious and often don’t remember the episode in the morning. Night terrors primarily occur in children, while nocturnal panic attacks are more typical in adolescents and adults,
Fact 3: Daytime panic attacks may increase the risk of nighttime episodes
People who experience panic attacks during the day may be more likely to experience them at night as well. Research suggests panic attacks can occur during periods of heightened vulnerability, including bedtime between sleep stages. A range of factors may contribute, such as:
- Panic disorder
- High baseline anxiety
- Sleep-related hyperarousal
- Genetics
- Stress levels
- Brain chemistry
- Sleep disorders
- Traumatic experiences
- Childhood experiences
- Certain mental health conditions
Fact 4: Nighttime panic attacks often subside fairly quickly
Although they may feel prolonged in the moment, nocturnal panic attacks typically peak within about 10 minutes before easing. That said, it may take longer for the nervous system to settle enough to fall back asleep.
Fact 5: They can affect sleep quality and daily well-being
Even brief panic attacks can disrupt sleep. After waking suddenly in fear, many people feel anxious about falling back asleep or worry the episode will happen again. Over time, this fear can contribute to insomnia, which may worsen anxiety symptoms during the day.
Support from a licensed clinical professional can help
The good news is that nocturnal panic attacks are treatable. Many people find relief with psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce fear of panic symptoms, and develop coping strategies for anxiety.
Mindfulness techniques may also be incorporated to support grounding during intense moments. In some cases, therapy may be combined with medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat panic disorder.
Find support at Lightfully
If panic attacks during sleep are affecting your rest or daily life, professional support can make a meaningful difference. Lightfully provides evidence-based, whole-person-centered care that goes beyond traditional outpatient treatment alone.
Care is designed to address the underlying factors contributing to panic and anxiety while building resilience and long-term coping skills.
You don’t have to manage this alone. Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to learn more about personalized support at Lightfully.
