Several factors can contribute to the onset of signs of panic attack in sleep, including medical conditions, certain medications, substance abuse, or sleep disorders. A nocturnal panic attack can be particularly distressing because it can be disorienting to wake up suddenly with intense, overwhelming physical symptoms. What if you have a panic attack with no physical symptoms? Then, symptoms may include an overwhelming sense of apprehension, feeling that something awful is about to happen, worry about losing control, or feeling detached from oneself.

If you wake up to signs of a panic attack in sleep, there are several things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms. It is essential to practice relaxation techniques that can help calm your body’s physical response to fear and anxiety. Such techniques may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, or visualization exercises.

Man vs Woman; Signs Of Panic Attack

There can be differences in the signs and symptoms of panic attacks between men and women. While the core symptoms of a panic attack (such as racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, and feeling of fear or dread) are similar in both genders, studies show some variations in the ways that men and women experience them.

In general, women are more likely to have panic disorder than men and are more likely to report certain symptoms, such as:

• Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing

On the other hand, men may be less likely to seek treatment for their panic attacks, and symptoms such as muscle tension, sweating, or gastrointestinal problems may be more common in males compared to females.

Panic Attack Shaking Uncontrollably

Shaking during a panic attack can be mild or severe, and it can often feel uncontrollable or difficult to stop. Shaking can also occur in different parts of the body, such as the hands, legs, or entire body.

It is important to remember that shaking during a panic attack, while unpleasant, is generally harmless and will likely resolve on its own as the panic attack subsides. You can try practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation, to help calm the body and reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

It is especially hard when you wake up with shaking hands during an anxiety attack. Your hands just don’t want to work right. I also get the numbness in certain fingers on my left hand. I can’t hold anything for very long before it starts to go numb.

Teeth Chattering Panic Attack

During a panic attack, stress hormones are released, which can cause muscle tension and tremors. This can lead to involuntary movements like teeth chattering or jaw clenching.

Teeth chattering can be a scary sign of a panic attack in sleep. For some people, it may increase feelings of anxiety or panic. It is essential to remember that teeth chattering, while unpleasant, is generally harmless and will likely resolve on its own as the panic attack subsides.

I’ve never had my teeth chatter, but I do clench my jaw. It gets so sore after awhile when the attack happens for a long period of time. Anybody else have teeth chattering? Furthermore, I clench my jaw because it’s one of the side effects of one of the meds I’m taking (movements).

Signs Of Panic Attack Chest Pain

Many people describe the sensation of chest pain during a panic attack as a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, similar to the symptoms of a heart attack.

Although chest pain during a panic attack is usually harmless and not a sign of a heart problem, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain to rule out any underlying medical conditions. A medical professional can determine the underlying cause of the chest pain and provide appropriate treatment.

As I have asked before in another post, how are you going to tell the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack? If they have similar signs, do you keep going to see a doctor every time you have chest pains? I’ve wasted so much money doing that! It’s also a waste of the doctor’s time.

Panic Attack Symptoms Cold Hands

During a panic attack, the adrenal glands release adrenaline into the bloodstream, which triggers the body to direct blood flow away from the extremities (such as the hands) and towards the core organs, which can cause the hands to feel cold and numb.

Additionally, anxiety and stress can cause the blood vessels in the hands and fingers to constrict, further reducing blood flow and causing cold hands. The sensation of cold hands can add to the distress of the panic attack and increase anxiety.

There’s nothing like waking up to cold, numb hands. That is like waking up to your partners bare, cold feet touching yours. By comparison, my feet also get cold. My appendages don’t like to stay warm. Also, I think I have poor circulation.

Hyperventilation And Panic Attacks

Hyperventilation is a common sign of a panic attack in your sleep. During a panic attack, the body’s “fight or flight” response is activated, leading to rapid breathing or hyperventilation. This can happen when a person breathes too quickly or too deeply, which can lead to increased oxygen and decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

The symptoms of hyperventilation during a panic attack in your sleep can cause further anxiety and confusion, leading to a vicious cycle of panic and hyperventilation. It can often feel like you cannot catch your breath, leading to further anxiety and fear.

I was in the ER (I know, not again) because I was so dehydrated and extremely sore from the flu. Anyway, on the way there, I could feel a panic attack coming due to going to the hospital. Now, mind you, I hadn’t taken any of my meds that day due to the fact that I couldn’t keep anything down. My anxiety went through the roof and I started hyperventilating while trying to talk to the nurse. They finally gave me something for the anxiety which did stay down. I was shaking so bad and couldn’t sit still (or speak coherently).

Panic Attack Stomach Symptoms

Yes, it is common for panic attacks to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. In fact, gastrointestinal symptoms are reported in up to 80% of people experiencing a panic attack.

During a panic attack, the body’s “fight or flight” response is activated, causing a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including digestive issues. The surge of adrenaline can cause the stomach to contract and result in nausea and other digestive symptoms. Additionally, anxiety and stress can trigger a range of digestive problems such as cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.

I swear that’s why I have GERD because of panic attacks (all the anxiety) and all the meds I’m taking. Sometimes I get really bad heartburn after I swallow my meds. Anybody else have that issue?

Slurred Speech Panic Attack

Slurred speech is more commonly found in conditions such as a stroke, head injury, or alcohol use, where the ability to speak coherently is compromised. However, in some cases, panic attacks can also cause the individual to stumble, mumble, and slur their words due to the overwhelming physical and emotional effects.

Here’s another one, it could be a stroke…or it could be a panic attack (you choose). I sure hope I never have a heart attack or a stroke because I’ll be very confused with the symptoms whether all it turns out to be is a panic attack. Even more, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had chest x-rays because of chest pain. Last one was this past Tuesday. I told them I thought it was anxiety. I’m sorry, I went off topic. This was going to be about slurred speech (oops).

Conclusion

If you wake up to a panic attack, there are several things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms. It is essential to practice relaxation techniques that can help calm your body’s physical response to fear and anxiety. Such techniques may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, or visualization exercises.

There is nothing more worse than waking up from a peaceful sleep because your having signs of a panic attack. If it does happen, hopefully it’s towards mid morning so you can get some sleep in. It would be a bummer if you have it right after you fall asleep. There’s no telling if you’ll go back to sleep. Well, I hope you’ve gotten something out of this post. I try to write (I think they call it freestyle) whatever comes to mind and according to the research. I never know what I’m going to be talking about until I start the research. So, until next time…

Articles

-How To Cope With Panic Attacks At Night

https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/how-to-cope-with-panic-attacks-at-night

-4 Ways To Calm After a Nocturnal Panic Attack

https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/mental-health/nocturnal-panic-attack

-Why Am I Panicking In My Sleep?

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-am-i-panicking-in-my-sleep

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”