Am I having panic attacks? How do I deal with them?

For the last two years, I have had what I think is a panic attack every year or so. My heart will race and it will actually hurt when I move to suddenly or breath in too deeply. During a more major one, I sometimes litterally can't move. I think this is a panic attack but I researched them and people feel really stressed out at the time and will even feel like they are doomed to something. I usually don't feel that although I was pretty stressed at my last one. They usually last around half an hour maybe more. Is this really a panic attack? Or is it something else? How do I deal with whatever it is? I have found ways to help lessen the effect while I am having it but how do I keep it from happening again?

P.S. For some reason they always seem to happen at night just before or while I'm going to bed (9:30-10:00)

Consuming too much caffeine (sodas, coffee etc.) can cause your heart to "flutter." Typical heartburn and gas from stomach acids an hour or two after dinner can create pressures that could make you feel that way. If you finally belch and it goes away that's it. If you can rule out those two, you should see a doctor. If it continues undiagnosed, the fear of the attacks can become as much of a problem as the attacks themselves. If you have another one before seeing the doc, make some notes of everything that happened that day and what you ate and take it with you to the doc.

I agree with rob it does sound like a hiatal hernia so you should definatly go to the doctors as soon as possible. Even if your tests do come back clear demand them to do something for you.