I don't get much of that at night usually, though I usually have two cats sleeping in my bed or at least one and a light on a little...in case I did wake up in a panic, as the last thing I want is to wake up in complete darkness giving my mind free reign to cause scary visual stuff. Do you have any pets or interest in them? they can be comforting to a lot of people...I have had it happen at family get togethers so I am careful about going to those, other sorts of parties or largish events sometimes I can handle it but not if i am already stressed or feeling on edge. I prefer not to go if I think I'll end up locking myself in the bathroom for an hour when I get too overwhelmed or feel like things are on the verge of impending doom.

Fairly recently I had a combined flashback/panic attack...just alone in my room during the day. When I felt it coming on I figured I should try and take some valium to calm it since its prescribed for panic attacks...but I was already shaking really bad and when I attempted to get up to get the valium out of my desk I couldn't even stand so I had to crawl over and get it...and once I took it I layed there curled up for a half hour till I wasn't paralyzed with fear from the non-existent threat anymore. Kinda glad someone didn't walk in on me in that state probably would have just told them I had a bad stomach ache or special time of the month cramp though not sure I had the ability to speak at that point.

Sorry I don't have much in the way of advice, but you certainly aren't alone with the panic and flashbacks...it really does suck.