Dreaming Too Soon

Recently I went to sleep and started dreaming within a few minutes. It woke me up and took awhile too get back to sleep. I've had this happen before. Does anyone else experience this?

I think we all do.

Yes, I've had that many times @Rider52. And in fact, more often than not, when I'm in bed my dreams start even when I'm just dozing off and I'm still aware I'm not fully asleep. But, for me, it doesn't affect my ability to go to sleep, thankfully.

Do you know why this happens? This just started happening and make me feel anxious.

Physically you can't dream within a few minutes. It is highly plausible that you were thinking about things on your mind.

There are 4 stages of sleep, and its not possible to suddenly dream within a few minutes. It probably feels like it. But the 4 stages of sleep happen in 90 minute cycles.

So, its likely that you were asleep for about 90 minutes, and had an intense dream and woke up from it.

You also could be a segmented sleeper, if you woke up and were awake for a while then it took you time to fall asleep again.

Here's a guide for the 4 stages of sleep.

The 4 Stages of Sleep (NREM and REM Sleep Cycles)

I will add that it could be your medications are negatively impacting your sleep cycle.

When I was prescribed different medications in the past, some gave me nightmares, others interfered with all 4 stages of my sleep so that i never REM slept, and other medications gave me very bizarre dreams.

No, I have absolutely no idea why, unfortunately. I do believe the dreaming aspect is quite normal though, but it seems the falling back to sleep and anxiety is the issue for you? Maybe try some nice relaxing teas before bed or listening to recordings of relaxing sounds, perhaps meditation too, things like that, and see if it helps you stay asleep during the dream phase.

Psych Central has some good resources too, so I wonder if you'll find something helpful here: Sleep Disorders & Insomnia Guide | Psych Central

It's all about sleep and related questions.