nighmares

I’ve been waking up several times during the night drenched in sweat and tears from nightmares anyone know how to help?

I had quit smoking for 10 days -yeeeeeey- when i woke up in the middle of the night after a nightmare and a panic attack. I turned on the light but was completely paralyzed. I knew I had to phone somebody but I just couldn't. In stead I grabbed the sigarets that were still in the house and smoked and drank coffee (mostly decaf) for a couple of hours. Terrible. I did quit again the next morning. What a terrible experience. I wake up afraid very often after a nightmare but never experienced this before. Anybody relate? What do you do? Any advice?