Nightmares, what can I do....?

Question

For the past few nights I've had horrible nightmares. I don't think I'm in a deep sleep because when they start to get really horrible, I manage to wake myself up.

When I do wake myself up I'm shaking, my heart's racing and sometimes crying. They're very realist dreams.

When I wake up it's about 4am, and I have to be up at about 7.30am, and I need to get back to sleep between then.

What can I do to calm myself down and get myself back to sleep quickly?

(I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so I really need to get back to sleep)

Thanks

Answer 1

try not eating anything to close to bedtime, but have a hot chocolate, turn the lights out at least an hour before you go to bed, and sleep in darkness and silence, if not maybe try a night-light

Answer 2

I always have nightmares when I sleep on my back. Try changing your sleeping position and watch what U eat before you sleep.

Answer 3

I also have nightmares most nights but they're not so bad that I have to wake up. And I know one of the reasons why I have nightmares; is because I think and worry about alot of things in my life. See..i have trust issues because i have had alot of people i trusted before and they took advantage of it so I try not to think or worry about the things I am worried about. Does that make sense? Your mind subconsciously absorbs the things you think about during the day therefore causing nightmares.

Answer 4

Drink a glass of warm milk or chamomile tea before bed which relaxes the body. Do yoga before bed, relaxes the body and mind. Indian legend might help you too, they place dream catchers above the bed or on the bed which are supposed to ward off evil and catch your dreams...good luck.

Answer 5

More nights than none I have nightmares; mainly from working on my PTSD in therapy presently. You have to reassure your mind that it's not really happening by grounding as soon as you wake up from them. I've found that getting up and going to the restroom or even snuggling up to my husband helps to reattach myself to my surroundings. Once your mind knows the difference, then try slow, deep breathing to further calm and relax to help drift back to sleep.

Answer 6

dream catchers are great iv had one for 23 yearsa now  

Answer 7

hmm.... You should try the Dream Catcher! I have one they are really good!:)

Answer 8

This is more of a long term solution.  There is a practice called LUCID DREAMING that is a way to control your dreams instead of them just happening.  Wikipedia has a good write up on the basics, and I could tutor you on it.

Answer 9

It depends what your dream is about. Maybe it's due to an event that happened lately in your family, or at your school. It could be anxiety issues due to stresses that you have pertaining to school. And like someone above me stated, it could be night terrors. Getting it checked out is always a good idea.

It's understandable you don't wanna become hooked on sleeping tablets, so going without them is a good idea. Maybe try reading a book before going to bed. It's relaxing, and can take your mind onto a new idea before you begin sleeping.

I do not recommend a dream catcher, however, for the fact that it has some demonic things attached to it.

Hope you get a good night sleep soon.

Answer 10

You may have a condition called night terrors.  Get a referral to go to a sleep lab and they can map brain activity and can help find a solution with a combination of therapy and or some prescriptions. Either way a doctor should be consulted.  I have to take a very strong sleeping pill sometimes because it is very hard for me to fall asleep and stay asleep. If prescriptions aren't for you try a licensed herbalist. One tip don't take Ambien it has a side effect of hallucinations that are scary.  

Answer 11

Dear Sarah,

It would probably help, if you didn't sleep alone.  I realize, for most of us, this presents a very limited number of options.  Regardless, it is a short term solution, something to get you through the next few days.

Sweet dreams,

Larry