There are a few reasons you may be waking up suddenly.
That middle-of-the-night shock isn’t random. Your body is reacting to something interrupting your sleep — often your breathing.
Interrupted Breathing
Your airway may be narrowing or closing for a moment, triggering your body’s emergency alarm system.
Oxygen Swings
Drops in oxygen can set off a “panic response,” waking you sharply before you fall too deeply asleep.
Stress or Nighttime Anxiety
Your mind can jolt you awake when stress runs high — especially during the first half of the night.
GERD or Reflux
Acid moving upward while lying down can trigger sudden awakenings.
Restless Sleep Cycles
Frequent awakenings can happen when your sleep is fragmented or shallow.
Signs your sudden wake-ups might be tied to your breathing
- You wake up with a sense of panic or alarm
- You jolt awake multiple times per week
- You feel your heart racing afterward
- You wake up gasping or choking (even briefly)
- You feel strangely alert after waking suddenly
- You wake up exhausted despite “sleeping” hours
Low daytime energy
Rising nighttime stress
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Elevated blood pressure
Fragmented sleep cycles
The first step to feeling better?
Take our easy
at-home sleep test
Our simple at-home sleep test gives you real answers reviewed by real doctors — so you can finally start a treatment plan that works. It's easy. It's done from home. And it's the first step toward getting your life back.
Don’t worry, this is simpler than it looks:
Easy setup, no bulky equipment
No appointments required
Informative results right in the app
A prescription is automatically included if diagnosed
Behind the scenes, a doctor reviews within a couple of days
Exhaustion Questions, Answered
Why do I jolt awake at night?
Your body may be reacting to a brief breathing interruption or oxygen drop. A home sleep test can help you understand what’s going on.
Is waking up suddenly dangerous?
Not always — but if it happens often, it may be a sign of a sleep-related breathing issue that’s worth checking.
Will a home sleep test show what’s causing it?
Yes. It tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and interruptions throughout the night.
What happens afterward?
A licensed sleep doctor reviews your results and guides your next steps.
