Waking up in a panicked state

My dreams aren't nightmares most night (thankfully that changed), and I can't remember if they're necessarily even bad dreams. All I know is how I feel. When I finally wake up my chest aches and my throat is dry like I've been hyperventilating (basically I feel like I I've been having a panic attack). I'd say this could be sleep apnea, I don't even snore, let alone quit breathing. When I wake up, I feel like I just fought my way out of a coma and finally escaped the purgatory of my mind. Maybe this could be physical but I can't think of any health issues that would cause this. Nocturnal panic attacks were brought to my attention but I'm not certain of that either. Anyone have any ideas? I should also add that I wake up sweating every time and can never get any sleep over 4 1/2 hours.

Do you feel like your muscles aren't responding when you first wake? Is that what you mean by fighting your way out of a coma? If it is like that, some call it sleep paralysis. I have experienced it.

If not, there must be something else going on at the moment you wake that is triggering the panic. I hope it gets better.

Perhaps you just make bad dreams and you don't remember them? Perhaps it's a side effect of some of your meds? I'm sorry

You might want to consider seeing a regular doctor to rule things out.


I wish I knew how to fix waking up panicked. For myself, I have been sleeping so peaceful, I don't sleep any longer, 3-5 hours on a good night but I so often wake up extremely anxious.

There are supplements that are supposed to help you sleep and have a calm sleep. Maybe something like that?

Could be anxiety related. Check with your doctor.