Panic during sleep?

Question

Ok so I experience this almost nightly, but I’ll be dead asleep and wake up feeling like I’m having a panic attack or something. The thing is, I don’t completely wake up for it so I don’t know if I’m just imagining it. I wake up feeling like my heart is gonna beat out of my chest. I tried checking my pulse but I couldn’t keep track of it bc I was still in a state of sleep. Also this was the first time this had happened but last night I hallucinated there was a bug on me, I feel like I tried to slap it off but can’t remember if I imagined it. I just don’t understand how I can be having panic symptoms and still be completely asleep. 
Has anyone else experienced this or know what it’s called?
Idk if my ptsd has anything to do with this

Answer

Yes. Panic attacks often occur during sleep. Many times a person you has anxiety or in your case PTSD, will wake up in a state of panic and freak out because they are sleeping and it seems like there is no reason to panic. Your brain continues to work while you sleep and you may have been having a dream or sensation that triggered the panic. When this happens just engage in self-talk “this is a panic attack and I am ok. I am safe in my bed”. Try deep breathing to the count of 4 and exhaling to the count of 8 nightly, not just when you have a panic attack. If you do this regularly, you will be better equipped to calm your nerves down when a panic attack comes on. It also helps to have something next your bed to look at that will remind you where you are and that you are safe in the case you wake up. Panic and anxiety are common, just breathe and find a friendly ear that will listen.

Answer

This absolutely happens to me. it's HORRIBLE. I'll spare you the long details, but it SUCKS. Lately I dream that I don't know where I work or what time I need to be there. I feel like the majority of my dreams are spent rushing around freaking out about stuff. I even went to a new therapist, but we have clashing personalities so I'm not going back.

Answer

I have stuff like this happen often, sometimes it’s like someone broke in and is walking into my bedroom but for some reason I can’t open my eyes, or I feel like I’m trapped in a dream. Or other times I’ll just fully wake up gasping and freaking out

Panic during sleep?

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