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Anxiety About Sleep and Hypnagogic Imagery
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Sleep-Related Disorders
Question #28644
2 hours ago
11

Anxiety About Sleep and Hypnagogic Imagery - #28644

Client_888798

I’m feeling very anxious about sleep right now. When I’m falling asleep, I sometimes see images or shapes (hypnagogic imagery) that startle me and make my stomach drop. I’ve never had a lucid dream, but I’m very scared that I might lose control and start having one. I take L-theanine and a multivitamin, and I previously stopped sertraline and hydroxyzine. I tried restarting sertraline at 50 mg, and I had a strong anxiety reaction that day. I just want to know if what I’m experiencing is safe, if there’s a risk I could suddenly have a lucid dream, and if there’s anything I can do to calm myself tonight or prevent lucid dreaming which I’ve never done before, but I don’t wanna start either. I’m very frightened and would really appreciate reassurance.

How long have you been experiencing these sleep-related symptoms?:

- More than 6 months

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your anxiety level about sleep?:

- 10 (extreme)

Have you noticed any specific triggers for your anxiety or hypnagogic imagery?:

- No specific triggers
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
1 hour ago
5

In person consultation would be better option.

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