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Nocturnal panic attacks occur while a person is sleeping.
Nocturnal panic attacks can potentially contribute to sleep disturbances and leave you feeling tired throughout your day.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments for nocturnal panic attacks.
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It also explores some of the steps you could take to prevent them from happening.
Somatic sensations, such as sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain are common.
Excess worry and fear associated with this experience can often lead toinsomnia.
What they do know is that nocturnal panic attacks are frequent in people with panic disorders.
Up to 71% of people with daytime panic attacks report experiencing a nocturnal panic attack at least once.
This means they’re not a response to Stage 4sleep terrors.
This also means that nocturnal panic attacks are different from nightmares, which mostly occur during REM sleep.
While they share some similar symptoms, night terrors and nocturnal panic attacks differ.
Many people choose to start the recovery process by scheduling an appointment with their primary care physician.
Your doctor can assist you by ruling out other medical and sleep conditions.
They can also discuss yourtreatment options, which typically involve psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.
CBT empowers people with techniques to better manage their panic-induced anxiety and develop bettersleep hygiene.
Panic attacks are often treated with prescribed medication.
Medications such asantidepressantsand anti-anxiety drugs may assist in lessening the frequency and intensity of nocturnal panic attacks.
A Word From Verywell
Daytime panic attacks on their own are immensely stressful events.
Experiencing a panic attack at night can be downright terrifying.
But the good news is that help is available.
If you believe you are having nocturnal panic attacks, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.
There are manyeffective treatmentsand strategies that help people overcome both daytime and nocturnal panic attacks.
With the help of your doctor, you might find the treatment that is most effective for you.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Craske MG, Tsao JCI.Assessment and treatment of nocturnal panic attacks.Sleep Med Rev.
Craske MG, Lang AJ, Aikins D, Mystkowski JL.Cognitive behavioral therapy for nocturnal panic.Behav Ther.
2013;9(5):461-467. doi:10.5664/jcsm.2666
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed.
Washington, DC; 2013.
