Nocturnal Panic Attacks: What You Need to Know

3 min readNov 9, 2022

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from nocturnal panic attacks, you may feel like you’re the only one who experiences this type of attack. But you’re not alone. Nocturnal panic attacks are common, and here are the things you need to know about them.

What are nocturnal panic attacks?

Nocturnal panic attacks are a type of panic attack that occur during the night. They are relatively rare, but can be very disruptive to sleep. Symptoms of a nocturnal panic attack can include chest pain, racing heart, sweating, and feelings of terror. They are often mistaken for heart attacks, because they can cause chest pain and shortness of breath.

What causes nocturnal panic attacks?

What causes nocturnal panic attacks is not fully understood, but there are several possible factors. One possible factor is sleep deprivation. When people are exhausted, they may be more prone to panic attacks. Another possible factor is anxiety disorder. People with anxiety disorder may be more prone to panic attacks in general, including nocturnal panic attacks.

How can you identify a nocturnal panic attack?

Nocturnal panic attacks can be difficult to identify, as they often occur during the night and may not have any obvious symptoms. Many people who experience a nocturnal panic attack report feeling as if they are having a heart attack or are about to die.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing a nocturnal panic attack, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.

What are the symptoms of a nocturnal panic attack?

Nocturnal panic attacks can be very frightening and confusing. They can cause many of the same symptoms as a daytime panic attack, but they often occur at night.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be having a nocturnal panic attack:

Racing heart
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Feeling of choking
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Fear of dying
Fear of going crazy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help.

What should you do if you experience a nocturnal panic attack?

Nocturnal panic attacks can be frightening and disabling. If you experience a panic attack that wakes you up during the night, there are some things you can do to help yourself.

First, try to stay calm and reassure yourself that you are safe. Remind yourself that the attack is only temporary and will eventually pass. Try to focus on your breathing and count to 10.

If possible, try to get out of bed and move around. This can help dissipate the energy of the panic attack. Alternatively, try some relaxation techniques such as visualization or deep breathing.

If the attack is severe, or if it is causing you to feel very anxious, it might be helpful to call your healthcare provider or a crisis hotline. They can help you to deal with the attack and get you the help you need.

How can you prevent nocturnal panic attacks?

There are a few things that you can do in order to help prevent nocturnal panic attacks. One is to make sure that you get enough sleep each night.

This means going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, and making sure that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and make sure that your bedroom is dark and quiet.

If you find that you are still having panic attacks at night, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking a medication to help prevent them.

If you’re struggling with nocturnal panic attacks, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are a lot of things you can do to get them under control. With the right treatment, you can get your life back on track and start living the life you deserve.