The line between real-world and nightmare-world is getting so blurred

[bellbird]

I've been noticing recently after having these nightmares (common theme, different variations) so consistently for an extended period of time, just shy of 1 year, that my perception of the line between reality and 'nightmare world' is getting seriously warped.

My nightmares are very clever at tricking me into thinking they are reality. Certain things that the dream-me will see/think that make me think I must be awake.

I have grounding techniques that I usually use when I wake up in a panic attack - I tell myself my name, my address, and that I am safe. It helps a bit. But my confusion (I don't know how else to put it) about what in my mind is real and what has been fabricated in my sleep, seems to be extending further and further into the day.
A couple of nights I had one nightmare containing familiar people and places, but with the facts so obviously warped once I was awake and able to realise this. Yet still, it's like my brain is now presented with two realities regarding that scenario and even though I know one of them is most definitely fake, it was so convincing and believable when I dreamt it that I feel I'm questioning my own reality constantly and my mind keeps trying to replace actual-reality with nightmare-reality.

Does this make any sense/ has anyone experienced something similar?

 

[littleoc]

Just curious -- are you taking any medications to prevent or reduce nightmares?

 

[bellbird]

Just curious -- are you taking any medications to prevent or reduce nightmares?

I'm taking mirtazipine (night) and venlafaxine(effexor xr) (morning), though I'm not sure how much help they actually give for the actual nightmares. They definitely make me drowsy at night though, which is a good thing.
My fear is that the venlafaxine is making my dreams more vivid as they definitely seem very vivid and people online have reported that as a side effect, but it's helped with my mood and anxiety during the day and I'm too afraid to give that up. My dr said we have no more medication options left, everything else I've tried either doesn't work or gives too-severe side effects. Prazosin worked the best for nightmares, but it gave me extreme tachycardia so it's no longer an option:(

 

[littleoc]

Oh no :(

I'm doubtful that there are no other options left. I wish I knew of other options personally.

You seem to be doing the right things to try to separate nightmares from reality. I don't think you will fall into a nightmare reality, but I can see it being as disturbing as you say. I really wish I had more advice, but I can say that I support you

 

[bellbird]

I really wish I had more advice, but I can say that I support you

Thanks @littleoc , I really appreciate your support:)

 

[PiggyBack]

I've been noticing recently after having these nightmares (common theme, different variations) so cons...

Yes and Yes. I think it's referred to as a cognitive distortion. However, when I'm having horrible PTSD nightmares, it distorts my reality and I often don't realize how badly. Relationships with coworkers and people really suffer and people start to interpret my actions as angry and attacking even when no malice was intended. It still comes out.

 

[Nessa7]

I experience something similar with the medications that I take at night, except that the dreams that it happens with are not nightmares. I'll have a dream that is essentially an ordinary day that seems so real that I'll think the things actually happened. Another big one is that I'll wake up in my dream and think that I really woke up. I've found that keeping a regular sleeping helps. I will get up at the same time each morning even though I can't manage to fall asleep at the same time each night. My dreams seem to get much more vivid if I'm sleeping later. It doesn't happen with naps, which helps keep me from being too exhausted.

Something that I've considered trying is a sleep cycle alarm clock, but I only got a cell phone that I could do it with a few days ago.

 

[bellbird]

My dreams seem to get much more vivid if I'm sleeping later.

This is an interesting point. I'll have to keep an eye on how my sleep timings effect this.

 

[bellbird]

Yes and Yes. I think it's referred to as a cognitive distortion.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone, though I am sorry you're having horrible nightmares too @PiggyBack

 

[digger]

I'm taking mirtazipine (night)

Mirtazapine had this affect on me. Incredibly real vivid dreams that I would wake up from but couldn't distinguish clearly from reality and would 'flashback' to during the day.

 

[bellbird]

Mirtazapine had this affect on me

Oh I had only ever read of it happening from venlafaxine, not mirtazipine, so thanks for sharing that.