Why do I keep waking myself up as I doze off?

[SoDangTired]

This happens almost every night. As my head hits the pillow and I'm drifting off, I snap awake. This process repeats usually for a couple few hours and occasionally all night long. I've tried medication (ambien, trazodone, CBD oil, lunesta) all to no avail. Medication will work for awhile and then I must work up a tolerance because it's no longer effective. As in, it makes me groggy but doesn't knock me out. I've tried meditation and while that works initially to relax my mind, as soon as I drift off I snap awake. The only thing that knocks me out is severe sleep deprivation (being awake for more than 24 hours) or alcohol (which is less than ideal).

I've been working with my general practitioner to figure this problem out but they're frustrated since nothing seems to work. I'm frustrated too. This is impacting my life and has become a huge form of stress and unhappiness.

I'm convinced that this is mostly sleep anxiety but as to how to cure my sleep anxiety remains a mystery to me.

[specialmom]

There is something called the hynic jerk that can happen as we drift off to sleep.  It's a natural body reaction. Perhaps it is not 'sleep anxiety' though and just anxiety.  What about treating anxiety as the problem?  SSRI's work well.  Sleep disturbance is common with anxiety.  I'd consider this path.  The only sleep aid I'd consider using is melatonin as all others actually have more issues associated with them than it is worth.  During the day, eliminate caffeine, take a multi vitamin and exercise. This helps prime you for good rest.  White noise is a major helper for me too.  good luck