diff --git a/.changeset/short-turkeys-matter.md b/.changeset/short-turkeys-matter.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2abd4db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/short-turkeys-matter.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+"react-headless-tabs": patch
+---
+
+Only unmount hidden inactive tabs
diff --git a/packages/lib/src/TabPanel.tsx b/packages/lib/src/TabPanel.tsx
index 3d95563..99b26f0 100644
--- a/packages/lib/src/TabPanel.tsx
+++ b/packages/lib/src/TabPanel.tsx
@@ -44,7 +44,10 @@ export function TabPanel({
     }
 
     if (typeof unmount === "number") {
-      unmountRef.current = wait(() => setShouldRender(false), unmount * 1000);
+      unmountRef.current = wait(
+        () => setShouldRender(!props.hidden),
+        unmount * 1000
+      );
     }
 
     return () => {