Emma Faulkner, 24, was driving back home to Barton after collecting a working visa in London when she felt tired and pulled into Lymm Services on the M6 near Warrington for a break.
She fell asleep from midnight until 4.30am before waking up and driving the last stretch to her home.
But Emma had outstayed the two-hour free parking limit and was duly sent the fine through the post after being snapped by the service's advanced number plate recognition system on August 20.
Motorists who wish to stay longer than the free period have to pay a flat rate of £15 for 24 hours.
Emma, of Jepps Lane, who is currently working as a waitress on the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, said: "I had no idea any of this was going on.
"I kept stopping because I was tired and I was thinking, I really don't want to fall asleep.
"I didn't see any sign saying only two hours. I'm genuinely horrified. They are always on about safe driving."
Her mother Audrey, 57, was outraged when a fine letter from Parking Eye dropped through the door after Emma had left for the cruise.
The mother-of-two, who is refusing to pay up, said: "She can sleep for England. I was shocked to get this because I didn't realise you had to pay on the services.
"When I rang the police, they said they didn't think you had to pay either."
A Parking Eye spokesman said: "The signage within the motorway service station is very clear, stating that if a motorist wishes to park for longer than two hours, then there is a fee for their parking.
"That said, we are happy to review any case if a motorist feels there are extenuating circumstances."
Sheila Ranger, from the RAC, said: "The services brought the charges in as people were using their car parks as a park and ride. It comes down to common sense and on this occasion we would hope the ticket will be overturned."