Twice in a row now, I sleep normally, except in the middle of the night, I will wake up suddenly, because of in my dream.
The first night, I had a dream that someone walked into my room, and was like "What are you doing" in a quick voice, and it woke me up, scared. Then, last night, in my dream, which wasn't a good mood overall, my friend had said something shocking, which woke me up. The dream was about, I do believe, something, which I can't remember, but I'm sure it was human, chasing me and some of my friends, who are girls, around the town, and then the guy friend of mine, Steve, said the thing that woke me up.
I've also noticed I have just simply been having long dreams more now, when for the most of the year, I haven't had any at all.
As for the length of the dream, that could just be what you noticed. Humans typically have 10 or so different dreams during one night, whether or not you remember them all. It could just be that you have been able to remember more recently, and so it just seems especially long to you. I wouldn't worry about this much, especially with the sleep problems you have been having recently it could be caused by, or related to that.
As for advice on sleeping better, I think trying to reduce the stress in your life, or the amount of things you have going on can help. That is assuming you do have any of these. Perhaps do something relaxing before going to bed so you're not all anxious. Playing with a stress ball, watching an episode of a comedy show like Scrubs, Friends, etc. Even just listening to some relaxing or chilling music for 10 minutes before sleep can help you. I usually fall asleep listening to music, podcasts or the radio, because I have sleep problems myself. Small things can make a big difference, much more than you'd think. A lot of times what you do directly before falling asleep can affect what you dream about. Even if you lie on your bed for 10 minutes, in the dark, just thinking and musing before trying to fall asleep can help calm you down and reduce your pulse so that you fall asleep better and the rest of the night goes smoothly.
That's all I can really think of. Good luck, and feel free to PM after you've tried my suggestions with your results.
maybe get better rest?
I haven't changed my sleeping patterns. I go to bed at 11-11:30, wake up at 6:45.