Nightmares

I suffer from nightmares myself, some I remember, some I don't. But usually I wake up early feeling shakey, anxious and with my heart pounding so I know that it must be from some troubling dream I had that I just can't remember. The problem for me is that it sets the tone for the entire day! What meds are you on? Some meds, including Toprol (for blood pressure) are said to cause nightmares but I need to take it for my bp. It also causes a cough which I hate but I guess it's the lesser of two evils. I love going to bed at night and never have a problem getting to sleep but then almost always have weird dreams of some sort. I don't know whether it's better to remember them or not because when I don't, I sometimes also wake with this very unsettled, depressed or scared feeling and I don't know where it comes from, other than to assume it was a bad dream I don't remember. I feel for you because I know how upsetting this can be. I would advise not eating anything heavy at least four to five hours before you go to bed as I find that makes a big difference usually. Also, if you can drink milk before bed, it's a wonderful tranquilizer. Best of luck and keep posting here for support.

MM.,

That is no way to wake up and greet the day, right? ;(

I remember when I struggle with this. As you get farther along in your anxiety management, your sleep quality and symptoms upon awakening should start to improve.

Use your coping skills, especially before bed, and when you wake up. Breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation all really work if practiced regularly.

Keep posting!

S.C.

I also want to mention that I'm not on any meds, if that makes a difference. My anxiety was always periodical, when I had plans to meet friends or had a busy day coming up for work. I did get a referral from my therapist to see someone to discuss medications to help with this anxiety, so I will definitely mention my sleeping troubles