I can sympathize with you, as I have had a noctunal panic attack myself. They are really scary and you immediately think something is really wrong (atleast that's how I felt). After a really bad one, and going to the ER where they said I had supaventricular tachycardia, I was soo afraid to to to sleep out of the fear of having another one. I gave in and started taking an ativan about a half an hour before bedtime. I did this several nights in a row and then I was fine after that. If you are open to it, try the meds for a couple nights and see if it helps. I hate meds myself and I prefer to do things naturally but I was sooo afraid to go to sleep that it was causing even more harm and anxiey. Waking in a state of panic is very frightening but you can ease the symptoms by talking to yourself and being rational. Tell yourself it is ok, you are fine, this happens all the time and nothing comes of it, etc. It is easier said than done, I know, but rationalizing and breathing techniques really help. Good luck and keep me posted.