Early-morning waking - managing the morning cortisol spike

[hennie86]

I have a long history with adrenaline surges. I have experienced phases in my withdrawal when I havent experienced them and also when I experience them constantly (like now). When I experience more adrenaline surges, my sleep is usually really broken and unrefreshing and I feel constantly jittery.

 

Mornings used to be better for me but in the end of my taper they have been the worst. I wake up in the early hours of morning to adrenaline surges. I have somehow learned to live with them with certain strategies as:

 

- trying to keep my stress levels dow with things such as gentle exercise such as walking or gentle yoga and deep breathing I do every day regularly. I handle stress really poorly during wd and I need a lot of rest. Also any harder exercise, or overdoing things seems to be too much stress for my sensitive CNS and cause more adrenaline surges so there is a certain limit where exercise decrease stress instead of increasing it. I choose exercise that helps with my stress and calms my body down and try to add rest when I start to feel more fatigue in my body. Pushing things when I am tired makes my body easily start to get more adrenaline rushes. But also a bit physical exercise can help to deal with stress that is my trigger of adrenaline surges

- when I wake up to adrenaline surges few things help: electrolytes (magnesium and potassium). I spray magnesium oil to my body and it calms a bit or eat a snack such as potassium rich banana which somehow calms me down at the same time as it gives a bit energy if I am a bit hungry and can help me fall back to asleep after adrenaline surges. Potassium rich foods seem to have some kind of calming effect like coconut water or banana. Its also important what I eat before I go to bed to help me sleep better and I have to eat enough so I sleep well but not too much.

- keeping bedroom really dark because sunlight wakes me up more like it was said in this thread

- keeping daily rhytm and regular bedtime routine. Trying to avoid any too stimulating things hours before going to sleep

- weighted blanket helps my body to calm down during adrenaline surges. Its important to be able to calm my body back to sleep after waking up to adrenaline surge. A long time ago these adrenaline surges prevented me to get sleep after it but I have learned to fall asleep after them. Deep breathing and concentrating on breathing  can help to fall back to asleep.

 

I have had windows when I dont experience adrenaline surges almost at all (and can sleep almost all night interrupted sleep) but then some stress can again trigger a wave when in worst case I am in flight or fight mode all the time (like now) that also robbes my sleep and makes my sleep really interrupted. Also increased wd symptoms cause stress to my body and mind so it becomes easily a cycle and the wave just continues and continues.  When I am in a wave it feels like the adrenaline feeling just stays in my body all day and it feels so bad, like torture and inner terror that just doesnt stop. Like the adrenaline surge just stays after night. Its difficult to even relax in that state because my body feels so uncomfortable. When I am able to sleep a lot after adrenaline surge it can fix the feeling so it doesnt stay all day. It becomes easily a cycle when I feel more and more adrenaline and resting in that state is difficult. But rest and relaxation are important to manage adrenaline surges and flight or fight even though when I am in worst wave, like now, it doesnt feel like helping at all.

 

 

 

[Estman]

15 hours ago, hennie86 said:

 

 

 

 

I have had windows when I dont experience adrenaline surges almost at all (and can sleep almost all night interrupted sleep) but then some stress can again trigger a wave when in worst case I am in flight or fight mode all the time (like now) that also robbes my sleep and makes my sleep really interrupted. Also increased wd symptoms cause stress to my body and mind so it becomes easily a cycle and the wave just continues and continues.  When I am in a wave it feels like the adrenaline feeling just stays in my body all day and it feels so bad, like torture and inner terror that just doesnt stop. Like the adrenaline surge just stays after night. Its difficult to even relax in that state because my body feels so uncomfortable. When I am able to sleep a lot after adrenaline surge it can fix the feeling so it doesnt stay all day. It becomes easily a cycle when I feel more and more adrenaline and resting in that state is difficult. But rest and relaxation are important to manage adrenaline surges and flight or fight even though when I am in worst wave, like now, it doesnt feel like helping at all.

 

 

 

I also have a worse wave at the moment
I reduced my medication to 1mg 21 days ago
The wave started somewhere in 7 days (then lasted 12 days)
It was triggered by half a day of more physical work
I get tired very quickly and then I get tired that gets worse
This leads to great anxiety and weakness
As long as I work, I feel better
When I finish it, it is as if fatigue and depression keep accumulating
This exhaustion often lasts for several days
How long do you usually have a wave last before it passes?

[hennie86]

On 6/13/2020 at 8:52 AM, Estman said:

I also have a worse wave at the moment
I reduced my medication to 1mg 21 days ago
The wave started somewhere in 7 days (then lasted 12 days)
It was triggered by half a day of more physical work
I get tired very quickly and then I get tired that gets worse
This leads to great anxiety and weakness
As long as I work, I feel better
When I finish it, it is as if fatigue and depression keep accumulating
This exhaustion often lasts for several days
How long do you usually have a wave last before it passes?

 

Sorry to hear about your wave. That sounds really familiar. I get tired soon really easily. I can do stuff and at the moment I can feel I can do it but later I am exhausted. Too much physical activity is a major trigger for me. If I continue to do things and not rest enough it keeps accumulating and I feel more and more fatigue and more and more adrenaline surges. My body just cant handle it and I am manage to continue functioning with help of adrenaline but it can lead to a crash.

 

This wave is more like a setback and has lasted for weeks.  Too much stress triggered it and I have been in a cycle. I have been holding my dose.

 

But I have had waves that havent last for this long, and have lasted more like days. Hopefully your wave passes soon. If I would be in your situation I would avoid pushing myself to do too much, and remember to care of myself. Lost of rest especially if I would feel like that and remember to relax more than before WD.

[Estman]

23 minutes ago, hennie86 said:

 

Sorry to hear about your wave. That sounds really familiar. I get tired soon really easily. I can do stuff and at the moment I can feel I can do it but later I am exhausted. Too much physical activity is a major trigger for me. If I continue to do things and not rest enough it keeps accumulating and I feel more and more fatigue and more and more adrenaline surges. My body just cant handle it and I am manage to continue functioning with help of adrenaline but it can lead to a crash.

 

This wave is more like a setback and has lasted for weeks.  Too much stress triggered it and I have been in a cycle. I have been holding my dose.

 

But I have had waves that havent last for this long, and have lasted more like days. Hopefully your wave passes soon. If I would be in your situation I would avoid pushing myself to do too much, and remember to care of myself. Lost of rest especially if I would feel like that and remember to relax more than before WD.

Yes, just like me
I understand that such rapid fatigue is a wave
It seems to me that this is also caused by a 1mg reduction
But yes, physical or mental exertion triggers the same way
Therefore, unfortunately, physical exercise is not possible
Hopefully this will be temporary when the drugs are released

[tsranga]

I am dealing with this for almost 2 years now.. In addition to autonomic dysfunction symptoms (temperature sensitivity and thermoregulation along with orthostatic intolerance, blurry vision and IBS. 

 

My mornings until 3-4PM are pretty unpredictable and it also affects me mentally (irrational fear seems to come and go as well).  Then the evenings are symptom-free most days for 5-6 hours.

 

One observation is that the frequency of the symptoms has increased in the last few months,  but they don't last too long, and their intensity is lower.  

 

Is this a typical pattern before it subsides?  Are there any signs that would indicate a worsening or healing?

[Albert]

On 1/17/2021 at 9:56 PM, tsranga said:

I am dealing with this for almost 2 years now.. In addition to autonomic dysfunction symptoms (temperature sensitivity and thermoregulation along with orthostatic intolerance, blurry vision and IBS. 

 

My mornings until 3-4PM are pretty unpredictable and it also affects me mentally (irrational fear seems to come and go as well).  Then the evenings are symptom-free most days for 5-6 hours.

 

One observation is that the frequency of the symptoms has increased in the last few months,  but they don't last too long, and their intensity is lower.  

 

Is this a typical pattern before it subsides?  Are there any signs that would indicate a worsening or healing?

I would also like to know as I have those same exact symptoms as I try to stabilize 

[Altostrata]

@tsranga@Albert please read this topic from the beginning. That symptom pattern you report is typical of hypersensitization to morning cortisol, wearing off towards evening.

[tsranga]

4 hours ago, Altostrata said:

@tsranga@Albert please read this topic from the beginning. That symptom pattern you report is typical of hypersensitization to morning cortisol, wearing off towards evening.

@AltostrataI did. Looks like this symptom along with the temperature sensitivity ( alternatively feeling hot/cold with sensitivity to covering/fabric material etc., especially around the sleep/wake cycle) is also a hypersensitization. 

 

This week my temp sensitivity has increased since the gusty winds arrived and kept me awake. I was reading the thread on that as well,  trying to figure out if the temp sensitivity can be categorized as a wave or induced/aggravated by a weather change . I notice my BP increases  at these times (between 1AM - 3PM) and my mind also goes into this disoriented/agitated state, and when it returns to normal, all other symptoms resolve too.. 

 

Probably we stay stuck in a sympathetic activation longer during a wave? 

This can also increase my IBS activity, but last night, the gut stayed calm.

I find that myself most likely to sleep naturally around 9-10PM if I am on the couch.. As soon as I start adding layers or move to the bedroom, I get hypersensitive to the difference in temp, weight & material of the covering.. and cant get back to sleep, and if I miss going to bed before 4-5am, I go without sleep.

 

Looks like both these symptoms are going to be around for a while.. are the last to subside/resolve? Anything that we can do to help with it? 

 

[Albert]

I have also noticed if I eat sugar that it can really drive up my symptoms.  Is there anything you have found that helps with the morning cortisol spike?  My symptoms so seem to lessen at about 3:00 pm.  I still feel very weak, dizzy, and have very tight muscles most of the time

[tsranga]

3 hours ago, Albert said:

I have also noticed if I eat sugar that it can really drive up my symptoms.  Is there anything you have found that helps with the morning cortisol spike?  My symptoms so seem to lessen at about 3:00 pm.  I still feel very weak, dizzy, and have very tight muscles most of the time

Nothing really.. I thought ashwagandha helped initially, but Iam not sure anymore. Maybe it does help reduce the intensity and duration. I have been taking it for the past 3 months 

 

I just get up whenever I wake up, and get some yoga stretches followed by meditation. That takes me around 2 hours by which time, I feel calm enough to tackle the day.. 

I also get an hour of walking daily, all of which helps with the dizziness and muscle tightness.. This routine has been the only thing that I can say has helped in withdrawal consistently.

 

[Albert]

I will try anything.  I my legs and muscles have been very painful lately.  Also my insomnia has increased.  I am going to try that routine and see if it helps me.  I can do a slow walk and I can also stretch . Not sure I have enough strength to do yoga though. 

[tsranga]

Yoga is all about working with your own ability.. look up restorative yoga. 

 

http://blog.zenward.com/restorative-yoga-for-healthy-joints/

[Kristinhopes]

What does a cortisol surge feel like? I am trying to determine if this is my akathisia coming back kr a cortisol surge? I do have blackout shades and a mask but it does not help. I awake at exactly 530 rather having a good or bad dream to a racing heart , muscle twitches, and the feeling of a motor inside my body like an inner vibration\tremor. No amount of meditation or body renaming can touch it. It lasts at least an hour and the inner motor feeling and racing heart dies get a little better if I wake up.. though still lots of twitching and still some restlessness it gets slightly better by evening. 
 

cirtisol or return if akathisia?

[Albert]

I have this exact same thing.  I wake between 4:30 and 5:30 AM every morning.  I also have the muscle twitching as well as frequent urination in the mornings when I wake.  I also have the backs of my legs tighten up in the mornings as well  I think that it is just an overall symptom of withdrawal.  I can say that keeping the room dark helps a little.  So you are completely off of Paxil and the only drug that you have left is the Prozac?  Are these your only symptoms? 

 

[Kristinhopes]

I was on lexapro when withdrawals started trying to stabilize and taper the Prozac, but it’s not happening. Do you have an inner vibration or tremor like a motor in your nerves when waking and racing or strong heart beat too? 

[tsranga]

4 hours ago, Kristinhopes said:

awake at exactly 530 rather having a good or bad dream to a racing heart , muscle twitches, and the feeling of a motor inside my body like an inner vibration\tremor. No amount of meditation or body renaming can touch it. It lasts at least an hour and the inner motor feeling and racing heart dies get a little better if I wake up

 

This is a typical morning cortisol spike.  I wake up at 5:30 (sometimes between 3-5am), get up and start my yoga, and after 60-90 min after awaking this subsides and I can focus calmly. 

[Albert]

Does the Yoga Help

[tsranga]

8 minutes ago, Albert said:

Does the Yoga Help

Yes. Any restorative practice helps lower  the cortisol. Avoid high intensity workouts

[Albert]

So basically getting up and just moving around and doing stretching and minor activities will help lower the cortisol and relieve symptoms 

[Albert]

I go for a mild walk in the morning.  I may start to try yoga. Ok 

[tryingtosurvive330]

On 7/14/2011 at 2:19 PM, Altostrata said:

 

I also researched cortisol fighters. Here are some I found to be helpful:

 

- Vitamin C in controlled-release tablets or fresh fruit

 

- Baby aspirin (be sure to take with food)

 

- Vitamin B12 (good for some, not for others)

 

Has anyone tried the baby aspirin to fight the cortisol spike? I’m desperate. I wake up at 2 and 4am every night in addition to several other time. But I can always count on 2 and 4. 

[Altostrata]

Please read this topic from the beginning.

[mickde1]

Hi everyone i think this is imporyant just reaching out if someone knows how to address early morning cortisol spikes its sending my blood pressure through the roof bp medical doesn't work its all tied in with the wd symptoms  it wakes me up i display symptoms of a tighness around my chest and arms and legs stomach nausea cramps along with all the mental debilitation i eat right i exercise i meditate no alcohol no drug no sugar no coffee and i do meditation self help therapies i went on a 6 kilometer jog this morning of which i do 3 times a week after 4 minutes my bp was close to normal then it started rising again my history I'm 65 months ct 

[Ventus]

I have a question about this. I have trouble falling and staying asleep for more then a few hours. But i don't feel anxiety or dread or anything else you guys are talking about. Granted when this wave first started ny heartrate was through the roof 24/7. Is it common to just have the physical  symptoms?  My last emotional symptoms happened right before the insomnia and passed basically the day before the insomnia started. So I am now calm but so sleepy.

[ESRoar]

I’ve been dealing with this am waking for other 2 years as I slow taper off of cymbalta. Is it best to hold the dose you’re at until this resolves?  Or will this continue until I’m off the drug?  It’s miserable. I wake between 4-5am with a heart rate over 100, nausea, tremors. I use an eye mask and I’ve been trying to take a supplement called “cortisol manager”, but I haven’t experienced much relief. 

[Shashal]

I found timed release Vitamin C seemed like helpful.

[ESRoar]

4 hours ago, Shashal said:

I found timed release Vitamin C seemed like helpful.

How many mg did you take?  I usually take 1000mg at bedtime. 

[ChessieCat]

 

[Shashal]

20 hours ago, ESRoar said:

How many mg did you take?  I usually take 1000mg at bedtime. 

1000mg before sleep too, and I found timed release is better at the same dose.

[ESRoar]

Just wanted to provide an update of a supplement that is really helping me with the early morning waking. I take Life Extension Vitamin C 24-hour Liposomal Hydrogel Formula. I take it at bedtime. Other brands of time release vitamin c did not work as well for me.  Hope this can help someone. 🙏🏻

[Jilla]

Cortisol mornings

 

Has anyone found something that helps with cortisol mornings? Besides darkening the room…as my room is already pretty dark. Thanks! Can anything be done for this? 

 

Edited July 13, 2022 by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

[lfran]

I had horrible cortisol mornings and have just started to have a version of them again, but it’s much less debilitating and I have strategies now so it’s not as bad. I’ve found that getting up and out of bed was the best medicine, as much as I hated to hear it at the time. Last year I did Wim Hof breathing followed by a short meditation as soon as I woke up and it started my day. I also got a puppy a year and a half ago and he has to be let out so I don’t have a choice anymore- also helpful.  Whatever you do, don’t lay there in “it” thinking about how awful it is if you can help it. I’ve also heard people say that a cold shower first thing helps calm the nervous system, and if you can’t stomach that maybe ice on the chest to calm the vagus nerve in a similar manner. On particularly bad days I also would sit with it mindfully and try not to let the thoughts of how horrible it was run away with me, quieting the mind (much easier said than done, I know). Let me know if any of this helps you… I have so much compassion for you. It is a tough symptom but it will lessen over time and finally pass. Have faith. Sending love. 

[lex1989]

On 7/12/2022 at 11:37 PM, lfran said:

I had horrible cortisol mornings and have just started to have a version of them again, but it’s much less debilitating and I have strategies now so it’s not as bad. I’ve found that getting up and out of bed was the best medicine, as much as I hated to hear it at the time. Last year I did Wim Hof breathing followed by a short meditation as soon as I woke up and it started my day. I also got a puppy a year and a half ago and he has to be let out so I don’t have a choice anymore- also helpful.  Whatever you do, don’t lay there in “it” thinking about how awful it is if you can help it. I’ve also heard people say that a cold shower first thing helps calm the nervous system, and if you can’t stomach that maybe ice on the chest to calm the vagus nerve in a similar manner. On particularly bad days I also would sit with it mindfully and try not to let the thoughts of how horrible it was run away with me, quieting the mind (much easier said than done, I know). Let me know if any of this helps you… I have so much compassion for you. It is a tough symptom but it will lessen over time and finally pass. Have faith. Sending love. 

 

Wim Hof breathing technique is indeed wonderful, I recently found it myself.

I find that if you don't hold your breath and instead just relax on those 1-4 mins between breaths, it works much better for relaxing.

Also I started with cold showers, they seem to have some effect as well

[FreeMe]

I have had chronic insomnia since going off citalopram, followed by a change to escitalopram. 16 months ago. I was on antidepressants for 27 years. 

I have tried melatonin, magnesium, sleep supplements, sleep apps, white noise, brown noise etc etc. I occasionally take a half a zopiclone or half a lorazepam when the lack of sleep is making me feel insane. That doesn't always work either.

I often wake every hour. Sometimes I only sleep for 15 minute bursts. I am trying to stay as drug free as possible. The anxiety is there almost before I wake. 

The only help I get offered is more antidepressants to take at night to help with sleep. I have been tempted to go back on, but I don't want to go through withdrawing again. If I went back on something, I wouldn't come off them again.

Has anyone found anything that works? I'm in NZ. 

 

[Terry4949]

Getting awful cortisol spikes again nearly 6 years off and out of the blue horrific symptoms have come back I normally sleep for about 3-4 hours but now at 2am I jolt awake very restless bed soaked in sweat and I am very unsettle I toss and turn it gets so bad that I have to get up my body temperature goes from being hot to shivering and I have to urinate a lot then I get complete exhaustion and fatigue and weakness this goes on through most part of the day and leaves me feeling agitated and a nervous feeling in my stomache 

I practise good sleep hygiene and have no trouble falling a sleep I had this cortisol mornings for the first 2 years of withdrawal and gradually it went away but it has come back with a vengeance can’t think of any triggers I have read this post from top to bottom and see many people get it especially in the early years are there others that have been hit like this so far out 

I read that people have found vitamin c in high doses to be beneficial but I am very sensitive to supplements I did try seriphos but it didn’t help these cortisol days are destroying me being stuck in a loop every morning I was wondering how many people found vitamin c to be helpful in fact anything would help at this moment 

 

[ChessieCat]

Dr Berg video:

 

Change Your Breathing and Lower Your Cortisol