Hey,

My anxiety is often worst when I wake up. Even half asleep I can get this terrible feeling of dread.

Keep doing your meditation! Do you do conscious breathing with it? I try to do at least 20 mins of really deep breathing every day (I have an app that times the breaths). It helps balance the nervous system which gets out of whack when we're stressed and anxious. I find it helps with that morning anxiety.

You could also try some physical exercise which is another good way to help your nervous system.

Bye for now
Gypsy