Had a similar situation. I’ve had chronic nightmares since childhood. I noticed I acted differently in my nightmares. Much more pragmatic and merciless. Makes sense since I was fighting demons.

Unfortunately. I got stuck in my fight/flight response due to chronic stress. Resulting in “dream me” becomming “awake me.”

I lost my ability to experience love, empathy and could no longer process positive emotions/feedback. I had destructive thoughts that extended well beyond healthy. I wanted to do stuff that I didn’t want to, morally speaking.

I wasn’t a different me. I was myself as much as any other day. It was a part of me that became more pronounced. The worst part.