I used to get up frequently at 400am and be really scared. Now I will wake up from a nightmare but it passes after about 5 minutes.
That early morning stuff is awful.

You know, 4am seems to be the magic number for some reason. I am experiencing the same thing. I can fall asleep ok, but then I wake up around this time with anxiety and can't always go back to sleep. What do you guys do to get back to sleep? It's really horrible. This morning is no exception. ~Michelle

I think the different anti-depressants that I have taken have helped that. But I am not sure. What do you find helpful?

Im joining this group...mornings are horrible!!!! I think its my ocd...telling me that I will lose control this day....but i dont!!!! can I have a brain transplant...mine doesnt work so well...tired of fighting with it.sandy

I have not found one particular thing that helps me get back to sleep either. Mainly I try and distract myself, so I usually turn the tv on or get up and do something aounnd the house. On occassion I have gone into my daughters room and watched her sleep. Usually it takes awhile for me to get back to sleep and then it is never a peaceful sleep.

I always wake up around 4:00 am too! I also have a tough time falling back asleep. Sometimes I can, but it's usually a restless sleep, and I end up waking up several more times before I have to get up for work. I wish I had a solution :(

Your sending yourself anxious thoughts. You woke up early and had anxiety. How did it start ? Dizzy- moved too fast? Thinking only about anxiety? Checking your body over for any sensations? Anticipating anxiety?

Waking up at 4 am. Did you take a nap that day? Maybe it was too long and that is all the sleep you need. Try taking your medication at a different time. Too much caffeine before bed or throughout the day? Do you have a calming bedtime routine? Did you go to be too early?

When that happens-anxiety-just tell it to come and pass through your body because you want to be done and over with it. It will come and be over with in minutes. And you will have no after affects. Try to really focus on one thing and one thing only. Actually tell yourself that-keep focused. Try just focusing on your toes and tensing them for five minutes and then relaxing them and do that throughout your whole body. It will calm you body down. An anxious mind cannot exist in a relax body. You may think you are relax sleeping but you can sleep in a tense state. So develop a bedtime routine, with relaxation exercises and tell your self this is comforting, this is good, I am calm and quiet.

Do you see how you are setting yourself up with anxious thoughts: OMG it 4 am ! I am not well what do I do, I am scared. Oh this anxiety what that breathing heavy oh no, and on and on. The next time you wake up early, say I will lay here and relax. I will start daydreaming about something wonderful. I will just enjoy my daydreaming and only focus on that because I do know how to relax and calm myself. If after twenty minutes i am still awake, I will get up and start my day. My body is fine, it know what it needs and will take care of itself. I know to sleep when I am tired and I will. I will take a nap later on but limit the time or this will happen again or I will just accept the fact if I take a daily nap , I will be up early. I have change my routine, that is all. Nothing more. Nothing to worry about. My body is amazing.