Dear Diane ..... if it just helps to share - I can honestly say in all my life I have never had the nightmares, disturbed sleep, irregular sleep patterns than I have had since I lost mum - gosh, nearly eight months ago now. Sat here now - because I am almost too afraid to go to bed .....and see what unfolds in my subconscious this night ...
The nightmares which began originally were about reliving mum's last few weeks and days ... they have now shifted - less nightmarish - but often surreal ..... sometimes comforting, often strange ..... and like yours - often pre-dementia ...... they regularly include my dad, other family I have lost, even family pets, childhood friends .....
I am trying to rationalise it as all part of the grief process .... but waking up bewildered, if not completely shaken, is not the best start to the day, I know.
Much love, Karen, x