I've very recently & for the first time in my life, started waking with terrible panic

Life has been stressful lately. And I'm reaching the age where mortality, keeps whispering in my ear. 
So I'm sure it's connected.

Dr agrees, but I hope to deal without meds!

I walk 3+miles/day, eat & sleep pretty well.
And handle panic I face, during the day, pretty well, before it gets terrifying!
BUT,...
I'm in a FULL blown panic before opening my eyes.
Making falling asleep, tough
Its a vicious cycle, that's rapidly snowballing!

Walking works best. But, 5am in dead winter, doesn't work
Plus, certain tones, sounds & beats seem to help
I'm trying to find & figure out which help best & quickest, to develope a plan of attacking it, asap

I pray, it soon passes! 😔

I do, appreciate the question, actually
MOST people don't want to hear
Thanks for sharing! Are there any common thoughts during these panic attacks, do you think they're set off by certain thoughts, or is it purely a matter of the nervous system going haywire?
Bee A. GiGi