Night Panic attacks

I have been expiencings night panic attacks all my life.  When I was little I would get them almost nightly.  As I got older I started to get them less and less, but the less I had them the worse they got.  I started to have attacks where I would hurt myself by slamming into things like walls or windows in fear of something and trying to get out.  Recently I have been in a half attack and half awake stage, wanting to control them now since I can remember some.  The olny thing that calms me down is an icey rag on my neck to wake me up.  I am not sure if I am getting worse or not.  Is there anything that I can do to prevent or stop me from having these attacks?  I am scared some day I am really going to hurt myself.  

[MrGreen]

Curious as to whether a sleeping tablet has ever been tried? One that would keep you knocked out for the night. Just a suggestion. Not something I have ever experienced myself. So far from an expert on the subject.