26 minutes of full on nightmares

[Smile]

I went to sleep and started having nightmares (similar theme to previous but not the same) before I even fully fell asleep.

Spent the whole time trying to wake up but I'm guessing icxouksnt because I was just too exhausted.

Finally was able to wake myself up and when I looked, it had been a total of 26 minutes of "sleep".

What's that about?

Now I'm too petrified to even get back into bed, never mind close my eyes... although my eyelids seem to have a mind of their own and keep drooping

 

[shimmerz]

Sleep paralysis used to do this to me. Not sure if it is the same thing for you.... scary as all get out.

 

[Deadman]

Sounds like sleep paralysis to me too. It's more common in children but happens to adults as well especially when overtired and with some meds. It is very scary. On a side note, it's thought that the legend of the old hag came from the common experience of sleep paralysis.

 

[Nessa7]

I was told by my psychiatrist that the best way to prevent sleep paralysis is to not worry and be afraid of it. Other than changing medications, that's the one thing that was the most helpful for me. I'd make sure that I was relaxed before I went to bed by meditating or watching something that was comforting or funny.

I've also had nights where I instantly begin a nightmare seemingly as soon as I go to sleep. I'd wake up for a few seconds but I wouldn't be fully awake. I might realize that I was sleeping or even open my eyes for a second. It stopped when I stopped taking melatonin. One side affect is spending more time dreaming and having more vivid dreams, but it was too much for me and I was feeling like I was busy all night doing stuff in my dreams.

 

[Smile]

Thank you all!!! I never heard of sleep paralysis so thank you for that info!

I just had it again... 23 minutes of nightmares

I just realized that a contributing factor may be that I went cold turkey from lexapro 40 mg a bit over a mobth ago. It makes sense that this would be a side effect but not sure if it makes sense that it would start a month after stopping the lexapro?

 

[Nessa7]

Have you noticed any other changes? I've read that Lexapro withdrawal can last for months and includes a pretty wide assortment of symptoms, but I've never heard anything about how long it might take to start.

 

[Smile]

Only other thing I've noticed is that I seem to be more clear headed and able to finally start losing some of the crazy amount of weight I love gained over passed few years

Just woke up from 38 minutes of nightmares. Again. This is getting to be ridiculous.

My T says I have too many meds messing with my sleep cycle to be able to tell me why this is happening. One of the many reasons I'm cutting down on everything. Barely took anything today so who knows. Maybe like @Nessa7 says, my body just needs more time.

I just hope I don't go mad before that happens.

Also, I mentioned "sleep paralysis" to my T and she said she never heard of it.

 

[Smile]

after researching/googling and hearing your explanations of it, I don't think I have sleep paralysis. I'm not awake when these "nightmares on speed" occur and as soon as I wake up I am able to move and talk