"Fake" dreaming does this happen to anyone else?!

[serialnc]

Sometimes when I try to sleep I feel as though I am awake but thinking/dreaming of something then i startle myself awake and can't get back to sleep or it happens a couple/3 times and then I fall asleep and am awake by 4-5-6 am wide awake. I'm thinking of phoning the gp tomorrow maybe asking for sleeping tablets but am absolutely terrified in taking them because I have two young children (2&3) and also the side effects. (Have terrible health anxiety/general anxiety) so taking anything makes me panic.
Going through a very tough time atm and I'm very upset (can't stop crying when I'm alone)!so that maybe the reason. But any advice on sleep would be great
(Am currently on 20mg of citalopram)

Fairly normal on citalopram. Sleep problems are a common side effect.

I would not want sleeping pills with such young DC!

Is it lucid dreaming? Google it - its a specific thing that people actually try to do!

Also sounds a bit like hyper vigilance...

I always suggest audio books (nice comforting ones like just william kids stories) or playing games on your phone to your eyelids droop

How long have you been on citalopram? There's obviously other things going on in your life right now if you want to tell us?

Maybe ask your Gp about trying mirtazapine instead of citalapram. It was much more effective for me and also helps with sleep without being a sedative.

If i'm falling asleep reading in bed i will often start to dream-read the book rather than actually reading it, so i make up what happens! Then i jolt awake a few times thrn finwlly put the book away and actuwlly sleep

When my sleep is disturbed I sometimes play calming music through my phone very quietly, only just audible, all through the night, phone on the bedside table. Spotify have some excellent sleep playlists. When I startle awake I then focus on listening to the music, almost straining slightly to hear it because it is so quiet. This helps me nod off again rather well.

I'd also recommend getting some headphones and listening to ASMR videos, I love the light triggers they make my eyes tired and I soon drift off.

Very common to have sleep issues especially if you are stressed, I've experienced sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming only happens when I am under a lot of stress or if I've had caffeine late in the day.

I had to come off this medication for the same issue! Gave me crazy insomnia & with a toddler it was too much, call your GP & tell them about sleeping issues. Because you have young kids they won't give you sleeping tablets x

Thank you all. Shall phone the gp tomorrow. I'm wide awake again. This time is an absolute killer. @LostInTesco I do have a lot going on atm but I know family members use Mumsnet so I'm absolutely terrified of outing myself. . Fell I have no-one to talk too.

How long have you been on citalopram? I've been on it a while, and it does reduce my anxiety somewhat.

I think sometimes, when there's lots going on in your life, it's to be expected that we won't sleep well (I was up from 4-7 this morning then dropped back over). Its frustrating but I also see it as having quiet time to myself now. I'd far rather be asleep but if I'm not, I read and have a coffee and shut off all the thoughts that I have to deal with in the day.

I hope things calm down for you, and you get some sleep x