Yes, that has happened to me at different times. When I was very depressed the mornings were worse. Are you experiencing both at the same time?

Mine used to do that until I was diagnosed with a Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorder.

Before my DX I would stay up until 4:00 or 5:00 am. every night and then wake up at 7:30 or 8:00a.m. to go to work. And for the first year I was always a mess at night in the evening and the morning worrying, stressing over sleep.

It doesn't bother me any more. I've just accepted it as when I sleep.

Yes, I never noticed it until you said something. I would like to ask a question. Does anyone hate to go to sleep at night and hate the mornings? That's where I'm at right now. Hugs

If I don't take my valium within 30 minutes of getting up in the morning, I'm an absolute mess. I can't function. My anxiety gets the best of me. At night, I now take gabapentin for sleep -- my anxiety is GREATLY reduced. I'm not sure how long I can use the gabapentin for however. Just thinking about it makes me nervous!

The mornings is the worst time for my anxiety bc I wonder what crisis the day will bring or even if there will be any. At night I just take my meds and forget about everything the best I can until I fall asleep.

It's amazing how much our minds "hold us together" in a fully-conscious (fully awake) state, that tends to lessen as we get closer to bedtime....and, first thing when we wake up. It's Amazing.

Kinda like holding up an umbrella to keep off the Rain. Then we get sleepy, or haven't shaken Off the sleep yet, and our brains are susceptible to what's really going on in there, primal feelings of panic that show up because our minds aren't in control enough to Hold Up The (metaphorical) Umbrella over our fears.


Couple that with learned fears such as approaching darkness (scary) and a Habit of panicking upon heading for sleep, or waking, and we've just got a Mess.


The things we talk about around here Help our minds get out of the pattern that pops up:

meds;
relaxing (!!) and positive thoughts before bed;
rituals like soothing baths or upbeat books/shows;

Don't be afraid to wake up Slowly; tell yourself you have Time, and if you don't Have it, Find it, even if only 5 extra minutes. Also, leaving yourself Reminders near your bed for when you wake up in the mornings! Favorite things near you, music, book, even a comfort drink, etc.

Actual panic Attacks, where your heart races, etc can start Immediately upon waking but you can be Prepared by having those things around you that calm you and take your mind off the brunt of what is happening, until your body is calmer.

Fear of Doom feelings upon waking, though not quite as pressing as the panic attack, also can be helped by those favorite things nearby, and having Affirmations written that you can pick Right Up and look at, first thing. (Don't be afraid to create a few of your own and make 'em Funny - example: "I can't Believe You Thought That Again - You Know The World Won't End Before You Get Another Cup of Coffee")

Uh-oh, writing too much again. HUGS - xo

TC have you ever looked up "Sundowner's Syndrome"?

Yes , It is like I'm double minded.
During the day I have big plans and feel as tho I can do most things , but come evening I panic and think of ways to get out of stuff and the whole feeling I just can't do this ..dread .. think about stuff all night to the point of exhaustion and burn out .
Only to find the the day I'm usually ok .
It is a pattern for me ,

This is info on Sundowning... It's usually equated with the elderly and dementia... I'd never thought of it re mood disorders... I suppose it's possible

http://www.alz.org/norcal/in_my_community_17590.asp

My mornings are good. My sundowning is good too. Just different.
Hugs to you.

yes

Mine goes down at night. Way down. Because I feel safe as the world is "asleep".
I only get anxiety when I have to leave the house. It hasn't been too bad lately. Now I jinxed myself...it will be really bad tomorrow.
Is Anxiety just a standard bipolar effect? I never had it until I got into my 50's.

Have you considered that you may be a little afraid of the dark and that might be adding to the increased anxiety at night, the fact that the house is dark, it's dark outside, etc. Maybe if you got some more outside lights, or kept a few more lamps on in rooms and bathrooms.

In the morning Anxiety comes on as you wake up because you don't know what the day will bring. And when your not a scheduled person and you have an Anxiety Disorder the start of the day can be scary, stressful and anxious because you don't have a plan.

Have you ever considered making out a plan for each of your days and pasting them in Calendar form above your bedside table so you an see them first thing in the morning and know whats on the agenda that day and help keep the anxiety at bay?