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Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:27:16 AM   
Daes


Posts: 246
Joined: 4/20/2007
From: Diamond Bar, SoCal
Status: offline 		So I'd like to get some feedback on an issue I have, so I thought I'd try here. This is a tad long because I need to explain details and the things I've tried to remedy the problem.. so here goes it.

I've always had nightmares, bad dreams, I usually, if not always, remember them as well. I did not have a traumatic childhood, there was no terrible happening that I can remember and I really doubt that that would be the cause of my nightmares. Occasionally my father would watch horror flicks and I'd catch a glimpse but no more than that. I had a difficult time sleeping alone up until I was about eight. I had one or two reoccuring nightmares that came once a year until I was 14 or so, then they'd skip a few years in between. The last time I had one of the reoccuring ones was when I was 18 yrs old. One was so bad that when I woke up I was paranoid, my heart was racing, I was scared beyond belief. I turned on the lights, turned on music - didnt help - then put in disney movies until morning came four-five hours later.

I used to be able to force myself to wake up, to make it stop. I used to be able to change it from a nightmare into whatever I wanted it to be. That stopped when I was in high school. My nightmares are Always extremely violent, brutal, and gory. They don't start as nightmares now, they start out "normal" then "Surprise", something happens, something snaps and the people in my dreams die or get hurt. Or they just start out horrifying and I cant get out of them. I'm not a violent person, I haven't suffered abuse. Anyways I feel like they're getting worse.

I can't watch horror movies anymore. And some of my favorite movies ARE horror movies. I have Saw IV and can't bring myself to watch it even though I Really Really want to. I'm /afraid/ they will give my sub conscious mind more "creative input", and my nightmares bother me enough as is.

I bring this up because I had an incident two nights ago with my roommate.

We were watching Sunshine. I know this isnt a horror movie. I know its /Just/ a movie, fake with actors. But there was one cut in the movie, and I Felt like I wasn't watching a movie anymore. I forgot that I was in my apartment sitting on a couch with my roommate. It reminded me of my dreams, the half second flash of a picture. Some guy laughing/smiling covered in blood? Don't remember. I felt like I was stuck in a place where I could not control what I was seeing and I could not stop it. I snap out of it, and tell my roommate I can't watch this movie. I almost have a panick attack. But now my mind is replaying things from my nightmares, I'm freaked out enough that I cried and I've NEVER had this kind of panicky reaction before. At least, not when I was wide awake. Needless to say, it bothered me a lot and I couldn't get to sleep until 4am, at which point I was exhausted and passed out.

I know its not real, but the Feelings are. And I want them to stop. In a strange way it's like my nightmares are Things on their own, I don't know how this grotesque Shit got into my brain. There's no reason for me to be having nightmares in the first place. I havent seen anything traumtic or real.

I've looked up medication and medication that cause nightmares. I do have ventilin but I rarely use it.  I've only found medications for hallucinations.

I've considered hypnosis, but the idea of  inducing one of my nightmares scares the living crap out of me.

Any Helpful suggestions?

< Message edited by Daes -- 8/11/2008 10:42:24 AM >

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~*Estrellita*~
I want to be in surrender of His strength, of His power. Alone, I am nothing, but in His arms I am all things...

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:35:12 AM   
Thadius


Posts: 5091
Joined: 10/11/2005
Status: offline 		Just a quick question.  Are you going to sleep with the radio or television on?

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:38:07 AM   
Daes


Posts: 246
Joined: 4/20/2007
From: Diamond Bar, SoCal
Status: offline 		I do need Some type of background noise, wind or whatever, but no..

I can listen to a radio and fall asleep though, if the volume is low enough.


_____________________________

~*Estrellita*~
I want to be in surrender of His strength, of His power. Alone, I am nothing, but in His arms I am all things...

~His puppy~

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:42:02 AM   
NeedingMore220


Posts: 615
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline 		I have nightmares on the nights I need something to help me sleep.  Whether it's something as innocuous as Benadryl to something stronger, I sometimes experience that crazy 'stuck in a nightmare' scenario and it's always something I love (my kids generally) in harm's way or I have to make a life-and-death decision (Sophie's choice kinda thing) which is very, very hard to shake for a couple of days. 

Obviously for me it's meds causing the occasional nightmare.  It's worth the risk for me because otherwise I don't sleep and the downside of that sucks ...

Possibly you need to stop watching horror flicks.  Even if you know it's not real, those images are being planted in your mind.  As for shaking the images once they're invading your waking time - all I can suggest is positive actions and thinking.  Call a friend.  Get involved with something that requries physical and mental effort.  Anything to shake it off. 

As for why you're having them in the first place, I'm sorry, besides asking whether you have some sort of issue to make a decision on or some sort of personal crisis when you experience this, I don't have any helpful suggestions.  It doesn't sound like this is based on what's going on in your life because it's been ongoing for so many years. 

I think possibly some people are just unfortunately prone to nightmares.  My youngest, who is 7, comes in my bed at least once a week to be comforted and to sleep where she feels safe. 

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:42:07 AM   
Lockit


Posts: 11292
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Status: offline 		Why do you need background noise to go to sleep? 

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:43:05 AM   
NeedingMore220


Posts: 615
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline 		I need background noise as well - it comes from growing up in the city and being used to hearing lots of noise while falling asleep.  I always use a small fan at my bedside at night.  

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:44:26 AM   
Thadius


Posts: 5091
Joined: 10/11/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Daes

I do need Some type of background noise, wind or whatever, but no..

I can listen to a radio and fall asleep though, if the volume is low enough.



The reason I asked is because even with the low volume on a tv or radio, the mind will integrate the sounds picked up by your ears into whatever dream you are having.

Obviously, at one point you were able to control your reaction to these nightmares, perhaps the loss of control is related to a loss in self confidence.  My sister had problems with nightmares for years, and she finally overcame them by doing some visualizations and mantras prior to laying down for the night.  Mostly involving reminding herself that she could say "stop" at any time.  Building that control word into your self concious could be beneficial, as you begin to believe in your power to stop a dream at anytime, you will begin to gain control again.

Without knowing more specifics, I am afraid generalizations are the best I can do.

I wish you well, and hope you are able to regain control of your dreams.
Thadius

_____________________________

When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends." ~ Japanese Proverb

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:45:54 AM   
Daes


Posts: 246
Joined: 4/20/2007
From: Diamond Bar, SoCal
Status: offline 		Lockit - I can't sleep if it's dead quiet... and if it IS, ill turn on my stereo or cd player really low.

NeedingMore - Ya... I've stopped watching horror movies for the most part, but I still get nightmares.. When I had that near panick attack, I got my mind focused on other things, got myself some horchata, and put in a video game.

Thadius - Thank you, I'll try ^_^

< Message edited by Daes -- 8/11/2008 10:49:44 AM >

_____________________________

~*Estrellita*~
I want to be in surrender of His strength, of His power. Alone, I am nothing, but in His arms I am all things...

~His puppy~

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:48:53 AM   
hopelessfool


Posts: 988
Joined: 7/29/2005
Status: offline 		I know this is going to sound really strange, But what worked for me, to stop the nightmares, I watch tv shows like bones, or the more grusome of CSI episodes. I dont know why but going to sleep to the sounds of murderers and screams and corpses.  Makes my dreams nice and pleasent.

Also try having a Dom friend Order you to go to sleep and have pleasent dreams. This also helps me sleep well, my subconsious wants to please the order I've been given more then wanting to scared the crap out of me.


< Message edited by hopelessfool -- 8/11/2008 10:54:41 AM >

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" I have nothing left to give, I have found the perfect end, You remain to make it hurt, disappear in to the dirt, carry me to heavens arms.....Dear Agony Just let go of me, suffer slowly, is this the way its gotta be, Dear Agony...."

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:49:19 AM   
RCdc


Posts: 8674
Status: offline 		Are you under any stress or anxiety?  It would also help to work out what time during sleep you get them and whether you move around or are static.  Nightmares are static, terrors involve movement or being conscious and able to manipulate them sometimes.
Do you work shifts?  Have disruptive sleep patterns or uneven bed times?
Also, food can play a part.  Smoking, caffine, malt and cheese aren't great.  And give yourself a few hours before you sleep if you eat.
 
the.dark.

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:49:42 AM   
simpleplan2


Posts: 461
Joined: 7/5/2008
Status: offline 		Get Lucid Dreaming (a book).  That should help.  Or you can do as I do...just don't dream.  I've "trained" (LOL) myself to wake up when I start to dream as I have nothing but nightmares.  Scary ass shit too!  You can cmail me on the other side if you want :)

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:51:13 AM   
faerytattoodgirl


Posts: 5824
Status: offline 		i just want to know when i scream in these dreams...if im actually screaming out loud...sometimes i wake up after screaming in dream and my mouth is wide open but no sound.

i hardly ever have scary dreams...when i dream its usually from childhood memory or...something i watched on tv. 




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Imperfect.
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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:54:03 AM   
Daes


Posts: 246
Joined: 4/20/2007
From: Diamond Bar, SoCal
Status: offline 		Darcy - A lot of stress actually, and now that you mention it, that could be part of the problem. I sleep pretty well, though my sleep patterns used to be pretty chaotic... Thank you for your input, I appreciate it.

simpleplan - Thank you! I'll definately check it out, if I can make these go away, itll be worth the effort.

faerytattoodgirl - Wish mine were like that. They're all random.


< Message edited by Daes -- 8/11/2008 10:55:37 AM >

_____________________________

~*Estrellita*~
I want to be in surrender of His strength, of His power. Alone, I am nothing, but in His arms I am all things...

~His puppy~

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:57:35 AM   
simpleplan2


Posts: 461
Joined: 7/5/2008
Status: offline 		The premise of Lucid Dreaming is that you can "enter" your dream and control it.  It's kinda cool and works sort of.  It takes some time and effort.

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:58:24 AM   
NuevaVida


Posts: 6707
Joined: 8/5/2008
Status: offline 		Daes,

I used to have nightmares all the time.  I shifted my thoughts to positive meditations before going to bed and that helped considerably.  My former Master gave me a set of rituals to do to focus me at the end of each day, and the nightmares all but disappeared.  Maybe you can set up some rituals or relaxation tasks of your own just before going to bed - think about 5 things you are grateful for, or your favorite place on earth, or a happy memory - things like that. When I go to sleep thinking stressful thoughts I almost undoubtedly have nightmares.

I wish you good (and peaceful) sleep!

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 10:58:27 AM   
MissSCD


Posts: 1185
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline 		Quit watching the news.  I find I get all wound up if I watch it a alot.
 
Regards, MissSCD

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 11:03:23 AM   
Lockit


Posts: 11292
Joined: 5/7/2007
Status: offline 		Since these problems started during your childhood, I would consider going back to that point and finding the root then.  It could be as simple as a scary movie or fear that manifested in dream form and became a pattern for your brain.  I just saw part of a program that was talking about changing brain waves and how that affected health, mental health and all sorts of things.  My take on what they were talking about was that the brain waves could be changed by certain things and it altered how the brain worked.  You may have no fears that bring on these dreams, but somehow your brain is reacting to fear or a pattern of some sort.

In my own experience, whenever I had nightmares, they included homelessness or trying to provide for my um's and they always came when we were somehow threatened financially.  I could control how I responded to it all in the day, but at night my fears would manifest when I couldn't control my thoughts.  Do these nightmares come at times when you are under stress in life?

If you need noise, I would try to find something that doesn't include voices or things that could become a part of your dreams.  Needingmore's fan use would be a great example of something that would be less likely to become something that could influence your dreams.  I sure hope you get to the bottom of this because sleep ruined by nightmares will mess with your awake hours and health.  Good luck!

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 11:10:21 AM   
slaveboyforyou


Posts: 3607
Joined: 1/6/2005
From: Arkansas, U.S.A.
Status: offline
quote:

I do need Some type of background noise, wind or whatever, but no..

I can listen to a radio and fall asleep though, if the volume is low enough.


I sleep with a fan on, turned to the highest setting.  I can't sleep without the noise or without the air circulating.  I'd suggest using that. 

As for your bad dreams, lots of things can cause it.  Your diet, sleep habits, stress, noise, temperature in your home, etc.  I am a horrible insomniac, and a extremely light sleeper.  So I tend to wake up in the middle of my dreams frequently.  If I'm having bad dreams, it's usually during periods where I'm stressed out or not sleeping well.  One thing that does seem to help me is melatonin tablets.  They do work after you get used to them.  Another thing that will cause me bad dreams and sleeplessness is too much caffeine, nicotine, and sugar.  When I get busy doing something, I have a tendency to overdo it with stimulants and junk food.  It will cause sleep problems for me everytime. 

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 11:10:25 AM   
faerytattoodgirl


Posts: 5824
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: simpleplan2

The premise of Lucid Dreaming is that you can "enter" your dream and control it.  It's kinda cool and works sort of.  It takes some time and effort.


yes this happens often for me and i dont know why.  its like a virtual reality with you watching yourself and knowing what will happen.  sometimes i have this same event...with different results.


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I did not reply to your cmail.
I am flawed.
Imperfect.
MUST SPANK!!!
SPAAAAAAAANK!!!

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RE: Nightmares - How do I make them stop??? - 8/11/2008 11:16:53 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		Kill the TV.

The subconsicence is taken in all the hints- even as a mild hypnosis,  add in the new types of audio - the range of tones.   KILL IT.

The radio is safer.



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