It is normal for the body to react in such a way as to become anxious or fearful because this often protected our ancestors from a lot of problems and harm. It is not normal, however, for our bodies to be overtaken with fear to the point that physical symptoms begin to arise because of it. When this happens, it is usually the sign of a larger problem. This was said to evolve from early human types that either fled danger or took it on if they could. Fight or flight generates a lot of biological processes because of the energy the body needs to perform either task. The heart races, the blood quickens, the eyes function differently, senses are heightened, and other parts of the body begin to react in other ways such as muscles tightening, etc. Cutting out the nightly snacks, and eating earlier in the evening always helps. Reducing any stress occurred during the evening hours is always very helpful. Try not to discuss any important issues before bed; this can lead to unwanted stress before sleep, which could be causing the panic. If possible try to exercise before bed, or at least sometime in the evening; even a short walk can be helpful. If you are having panic attacks, but are unaware, and are also suffering from depression, then the two can aggravate the other until proper treatment is realized. As depression is another difficult illness to properly diagnose and treat, it is imperative to actively find treatment that works for you. While you might end up in the emergency room the first time, this is not adequate treatment. In order to control panic attack symptoms, you need to help prevent them in the first place. Options One option is to consult a physician about taking antidepressants. Some medicines on the market, such as Paxil and Prozac, can help panic attack sufferers from reoccurrences. If your anxiety levels are interrupting your ability to “live a normal life”, it is probably time to consult a professional. There are some signs or “red flags” to consider when determining if you are a candidate for a mental health professional that include: feeling unable to work, feeling unable to keep your normal behavior patterns or appearance or hygiene patterns, cutting off social connections, trouble sleeping, trouble eating, and trouble bathing.