What Are Nocturnal Panic Attacks?

Nocturnal panic attacks occur while a person is sleeping. They cause a person to wake from sleep with symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, profuse sweating, and difficulty breathing.

All panic attacks can be frightening experiences, but they can be even more terrifying if they startle you out of your sleep. 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. It also explores some of the steps you can take to prevent them from happening.

Symptoms of Nocturnal Panic Attacks

Nocturnal panic attacks can occur with no obvious trigger and awaken you from sleep. Somatic sensations, such as sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain are common. Strong emotions combined with troublesome physical sensations may contribute to fear that the attack will lead to a loss of control over oneself.

As with panic attacks during the day, nocturnal panic attacks occur when a person experiences four or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Chills or hot flushes
• Choking feeling
• Derealization or depersonalization
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint 
• Fear of dying
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling of being smothered
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Palpitations or fast heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking

Even though panic attack symptoms typically reach a peak within a few minutes before gradually subsiding, the effects of the attack can impact the person much longer. Excess worry and fear associated with this experience can often lead to insomnia.

Causes of Nocturnal Panic Attacks

Researchers are still trying to understand why some people experience nocturnal panic attacks. 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.

That said, experts have identified some factors that can make a person more likely to have nocturnal panic attacks: 

• A chemical imbalance in the brain
• Family history of panic attacks
• Major life stress
• Traumatic events
• Underlying conditions, such as depression or social anxiety disorder

Nocturnal Panic Attacks vs. Night Terrors

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a type of sleep disorder that leads to episodes of intense fear. While they share some similar symptoms, night terrors and nocturnal panic attacks differ. 

Like nocturnal panic attacks, night terrors can involve symptoms of fear such as rapid breathing, racing heartbeat, and excessive sweating. However, they often also cause symptoms that are not characteristic of nocturnal panic attacks such as aggressive behavior and vocalizations such as yelling or screaming.

While nocturnal panic attacks cause the individual to awaken suddenly and remember the experience, people often have no memory of the night terror when they wake.

Treatments for Nocturnal Panic Attacks

Whether you are experiencing panic attacks that interrupt your sleep or that occur during your waking hours, help is available. 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 your treatment options, which typically involve psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found effective in treating both daytime and nocturnal panic attacks. In CBT, a therapist helps a person understand and confront their symptoms in a safe environment.

CBT empowers people with techniques to better manage their panic-induced anxiety and develop better sleep hygiene.

Prescription medications

In addition to or instead of therapy, a doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help treat anxiety. Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines has been shown to be especially effective in treating people who have nocturnal panic attacks.

Coping With Nocturnal Panic Attacks

The biggest problem with nocturnal panic attacks is that, because they happen without warning, you're unable to prepare or "talk yourself down." Though it may seem like things are out of your control, there are several things you can do to manage your attack and get back to sleep:

• Learn how to control your breathing
• Practice positive self-talk
• Talk to a friend or family member
• Relax your muscles

Though these steps can help, it's important that you seek professional help if your panic attacks are becoming more frequent or they are impacting other aspects of your life.

Preventing Nocturnal Panic Attacks

While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of having a nocturnal panic attack, there are steps you can take that may lower your risk. Prevention strategies that can help include:

• Limiting your caffeine intake, particularly in the afternoon and evening
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Finding ways to manage your stress levels
• Getting enough sleep and practicing good sleep hygiene

Getting professional treatment for anxiety, including psychotherapy and medication, may also help prevent nocturnal panic attacks. Treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of your anxiety symptoms, which often decreases the likelihood of having a nocturnal panic attack.

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 many effective treatments and strategies that help people overcome both daytime and nocturnal panic attacks. With the help of your doctor, you can find the treatment that is most effective for you.