What causes palpitations and fear upon waking up?

Waking up with palpitations and fear may be caused by poor sleep quality, high mental stress, arrhythmia, anxiety disorder, or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting sleep schedules, relieving emotional stress, and medication. If symptoms occur frequently or are accompanied by chest pain or dizziness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Poor Sleep Quality: Staying up late, frequent dreaming, or sleep apnea can prevent the body from fully resting, leading to temporary insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle and causing palpitations and fear. It is recommended to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, refrain from viewing stimulating content before bedtime, and create a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment.

2. High Mental Stress: Prolonged anxiety and excessive thinking keep the brain's nerves in a constant state of tension. Subconscious emotions may surface at night, resulting in palpitations and fear upon waking. It is advised to relax the mind and body through meditation or deep breathing before sleep, and to communicate more with others during the day to relieve stress.

3. Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart rhythm may be related to inadequate myocardial blood supply or electrolyte imbalance, manifesting as palpitations and irregular heartbeat upon waking, possibly accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Patients may take medications such as metoprolol tartrate tablets, Wenxin Granules, or amiodarone hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Anxiety Disorder: Long-term psychological stress without proper release can lead to neurotransmitter imbalances, making individuals susceptible to anxiety during sleep and experiencing palpitations and fear upon waking, often accompanied by restlessness and excessive sweating. It is recommended to use medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, sertraline tablets, or lorazepam tablets under a doctor’s supervision to relieve discomfort.

5. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases nervous system excitability and elevates nighttime metabolism, leading to palpitations and fear upon waking, along with heat intolerance and weight loss. Patients may take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician to improve symptoms.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure sufficient rest, eat a light and easily digestible diet, avoid spicy or irritating foods, take a gentle walk in the morning to relax the body and mind, and learn self-emotional regulation to reduce accumulated anxiety.