The study authors also found evidence to suggest bad dreams led to greater daytime feelings of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life. In short, anxiety and nightmares can feed into each other, creating an unpleasant cycle.

Can you wake up with a panic attack?

If you wake up with a panic attack, you might be experiencing a nighttime, or nocturnal, panic attack. These events cause symptoms like any other panic attack — sweating, rapid heart rate, and fast breathing — but because you were asleep when they began, you may wake up disoriented or frightened by the feelings.

What sleep disorders cause panic attacks?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep-related laryngospasms, and sleep-related seizures can cause people to wake from sleep with symptoms of a panic attack.