Posted by Dinah on December 3, 2007, at 17:41:37
In reply to Re: Sleep.... I could use some » llurpsienoodle, posted by sunnydays on December 3, 2007, at 14:44:41
That happens to me when I'm in a period of overstimulation. There isn't always a direct reason or thoughts that cause me to wake up in fear. It more often that my mind searches for a reason when I wake up in fear, and helpfully provides one.
You've been upset lately. That could have, if you're anything like me, started a flood of neurochemicals which might leave you overstimulated and likely to wake up with a startle. And then it snowballs and gains momentum. Eventually it burns out, but if I can stop the process with medications or meditation or dissociation or whatever works, it really is better for me in the long run.
I've quit trying to think myself out of it, or hope that I can learn to control it with my will, or searching for deeper reasons. I just have a hair trigger nervous system and need to accept and use what helps to calm it when needed, just as I need to accept and appreciate the positive aspects of it.
Of course, I have no idea if your nervous system is also finely tuned. But if it is, perhaps something I said will be helpful.
FWIW, I come from a family full of addicts, usually alchohol, but lots of other stuff too. I'm terrified of becoming addicted. In fact I do become addicted to those things I can't avoid completely, like food or spending. But I haven't found that judicious use of medications prescribed by my doctor have left me addicted in any physical sense. Nor do I need to take the medications more often or in greater quantities (except Provigil I suppose). Taking it as needed has been a positive thing for me, not a negative thing. You might want to talk it over with your therapist or pdoc and explore the possibilities?
poster:Dinah
thread:798430
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20071120/msgs/798551.html