panic attack while sleeping

Woke up to high heart rate, sweating, feeling of  dying/imminent death. I woke up already in full panic, and since I was asleep/waking my brain wasn't processing it like it would during an attack while awake, so it wasn't under any control. The hot flash and sensation of dying were particularly strong with this attack. Now I'm writing this in hopes of distracting myself and calming down. When I have attacks while awake, I am able to at least exert some moderating influence on them via rational thinking and awareness of what is happening.

Of course this leaves me afraid to fall back asleep, for fear of another attack. I'll probably have to go lie on the couch and fall asleep with the radio on for some distraction and a low light for some feeling of comfort.

I thought I had done ok today, better than many recent Sundays. Did my ping pong. But before bed (9:30) I felt a bit sick to my stomach, as if I'd eaten something that didn't quite agree with me. I went to bed worried about being sick while depressed, and how would I take care of myself if I was sick in addition to my lack of energy from depression.

My depression hasn't cleared this spring to the extent it normally has in years past at this time. I've been concerned that is going to lead to a deeper depression that normal in the coming winter.

Going to try lying down again and see if I can get back to sleep.