Scared To Go To Sleep

[nimkekaa]

I had a horrible nightmare last night. I dreamt that I had people everywhere that were trying to kill me. I had to be constantly on alert. There were also people that didn't want to kill me and I was having a hard time figuring out who was who. The people that wanted to kill me I had no choice but to kill them first. It was kill or be killed.

So I was terrified that I was going to die. I was constantly on guard. I was dreading having to kill someone to save my own life and terrified that I might kill someone who didn't want to kill me. But if I gave them a chance to see if they were a good person they may kill me because I didn't react fast enough.

I don't know if any of this makes sense but basically that is how the dream went. I only woke up from the dream when the dishwasher started (it was on delay setting) and I was up and running to the dishwasher so fast that I scared my hubby who kept asking me what was wrong. (I ran to the dishwasher because we have been having trouble with it opening sometimes when it's running and getting water on the floor) But how on guard is that.

Then in the morning when I woke up my jaw hurt so bad from clenching that I couldn't chew and it kept popping like my jaw was locking up.

Now I'm just scared to go to sleep. I tell myself I am safe and all that stuff but I have no control over what is going to happen as soon as I fall asleep.

Anyone else get scared to go to sleep? Any suggestions other then sleeping pills?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I know this doesn't answer your question...

I think your dream is very revealing. Have you ever considered doing dream analysis to work through what issues surface in your dreams?

I used to have a recurring nightmare, and researched its meaning. I was able to address the underlying issue and haven't had the dream since.

Sorry, I know this doesn't help right now! I hope others come along and give you some help in that area.

 

[Abstract]

Yes I do Nimkakaa. It's horrible. That whole loss of control over the subconscious is what I hate the most about sleeping.

I am sorry you had this awful dream.

I hope someone gives you some useful suggestions as I am afraid I am no use in that regard. The best thing I have found is writing out my thoughts or worries before I sleep or writing a poem. Discussing dreams has been useful in the past too .

 

[StarChild]

Anyone else get scared to go to sleep?

Dear Nimkekaa, yes, I'm also deeply scared to go to sleep. Now is nighttime where I live, but I don't dare to lie down and sleep - I have to fight with this since 5 months at a stretch; To have horrible nightmares every time I fall asleep.

I dreamt that I had people everywhere that were trying to kill me. I had to be constantly on alert.

I'm sorry you too have to endure this. I feel, this kind of nightmare is quite draining; Either am I on the run (for my life), or they've already got me, and I will get stabbed with knives, burned to death, tortured, shot in the head, and so on. And while killing me, they're laughing their *ss off. :(

Sometimes I manage to read a bit in a book, but read only funny stories. Or I try to paint a bit, or do some scraper-pictures. Or play a card game like Klondike or Freecell on my computer. Sometimes I'm looking on youtube for music of my favorite composers, or watch a good stand-up comedian. Oh, and there are great nature/animal documentary films. Things like these I try... For me the focus during such episodes is on doing just things that lift my spirits.

But I have to admit, that there are quite a few times, where I can't do anything, because I'm so overtired and scared, that I'm just shaking and crying...

I will think of you. And if it's o.k. for you, I light a candle for you. Wishing you that those nightmares disappear.

 

[cdg]

Sweet dreams tonight. I rarely have 2 nights in a row with nightmares. Hopefully it's better for you.

 

[nimkekaa]

Have you ever considered doing dream analysis

I haven't tried dream analysis but I'm willing to give it a try.

whole loss of control over the subconscious

Exactly!

if it's o.k. for you, I light a candle for you

That would be nice. Thanks.

I rarely have 2 nights in a row with nightmares

Last night was definitely better but it was still scary and my jaw was sore again in the morning. Maybe that means I can have a good night tonight. I'm hoping.

 

[Abstract]

Nimkakaa, my jaw problems are a constant source of concern and most of that is linked to the time when I supposedly sleep. I hope you have a restful night.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I know this doesn't answer your question...

This is actually what has helped me. I'm not like into thinking I should live life based on dreams or anything lol but dream analysis really helps. Just looking up a color that you saw, an object, etc puts things into perspective.

A lot of the time, the content of the dream has nothing to do with what your subconscious is trying to process so looking up meanings of each individual thing forces what's in your subconscious to be revealed. Sometimes it is a way to process some fragments.

At least that has been my experience.

 

[nimkekaa]

Last night was another rough night. I dreamt that I was at a camp of some sort but was being held there against my will. I was trying to get to a phone to call for help. When I finally did get to a phone I couldn't remember anyone's # and couldn't think of anyone to call that could come help me.

All three nights have been about frantically looking for help and feeling trapped. My jaw is killing me and I'm scared I'm going to kill my teeth.

Now I sound like I'm a whinny little child. But it feels good to get it off my chest.

I'm so tired that I am desperately trying to find a way to knock myself out to sleep without dreaming. Luckily there is no booze in the house. Well I'm going to try and get to sleep. Thanks for all your ideas. I will look into my dream meaning but have been dealing with kids and chauffeuring the last couple of days.

 

[Abstract]

Almost all of my recurring trauma related nightmares involve not being helped in some way Nikakaa. Its horrible.

I realised that sometimes something in the present had a little similarity to the theme in some way.

When my jaw is at its worth and nothing else is helping a try to sleep with the corner of a small towel in my mouth. Anti inflammatory get can help too.

Can you do any affirmations before you sleep about being safe and able to get help when you need it?

You don't sound whinny at all. I hope you have a good night sleep.

 

[nimkekaa]

Thanks Abstract. I never thought of affirmations before I go to sleep. I usually read to help fall asleep but never thought about trying to do that. I will try tonight. Thanks for the idea.

 

[StarChild]

All three nights have been about frantically looking for help and feeling trapped.

Dear Nimkekaa, is this something that has happened in your life? I mean looking in vain for help or rescue?

I'm awake too, and will go right now and light another candle for you. Sending you lots of strengthening thoughts and if you can accept it, a soft good-night hug. :)