Can't Sleep And When I Do The Nightmares Come Back

[Astrid_Shadow]

Hey...so I've noticed my nightmares keep returning so to prevent that I try to stay up until I black out. I know this isn't healthy but I just don't wanna have anymore nightmares. Its almost 1:30 am here and I doubt I'll be going to sleep anytime soon. I'm so scared. I haven't told anyone in my family about it. I don't wanna burden them especially with my mom having PTSD as well. I don't know what to do anymore at this point. I'm so tired but I'm too scared to sleep. My anxiety has me so anxious tonight that every little sound makes me jump to the point I had to put headphones on so I don't hear anything except my music.
Anyone have any idea what I can do? Please help.

 

[Naoru]

White noise
Calming music
Earplugs
Weighted blankets
Comfort items
Relaxing bedtime routine
Positive self-talk
Self-compassion
Less caffeine / alcohol / etc.
Journaling
Therapy

Prazosin :D

I feel your pain and I hope you find some relief.

 

[Astrid_Shadow]

@Naoru Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them out as soon as possible.

 

[Copper Princess]

@Astrid_Shadow I am sorry you are struggling with nightmares. I too am having this same issue. It is 5:42 am and I am listening to the rain. Unfortunately, I have nothing I can offer you other than understanding and support. I hope that you find relief soon.

 

[strangelings]

Yes.
try all of the above (the prazosin does help a LOT just- it's still being worse right now). some nights it works better than others (i'm up at almost four am so...)

 

[bring em all in]

Astrid_Shadow: I too suffer from nightly nightmares and hate to fall asleep. I have sleep apnea and when I don't use my BiPap machine the nightmares are much worse. Is there any chance you have sleep apnea?

 

[Astrid_Shadow]

Astrid_Shadow: I too suffer from nightly nightmares and hate to fall asleep. I have sleep apnea...

I don't know I've never been checked. Its possible.

 

[bring em all in]

Do you know if you snore? Many people who do have sleep apnea. Also, waking up choking/gasping can be an indication. I'm not trying to diagnose you over the Internet (and I'm not a doctor by any means),- just offering something to consider as a possible contributing factor.

 

[Astrid_Shadow]

I dont think I snore. I'll ask my sister later tonight though since I've been bunking with her for the past couple days.

 

[bring em all in]

Ok- And I had terrible nightmare/night terror last night and my breathing machine said I breathed well all night. So the PTSD can be devastating to sleep all by itself!!!

 

[James McGregor]

Hey...so I've noticed my nightmares keep returning so to prevent that I try to stay up until I bl...

i do the same, stay awake until i blank out. I used to have to sleep in total darkness and total silence, now i sleep with a light on and a tv on in the background, i cant handle being in the dark and quiet - no idea why that changed, during my last bout of nightmares i think i started doing it. I dont have nightmares as much now - not sure why they ebb and flow sometimes

 

[bring em all in]

I had another (or should I say the same?) nightmare last night and awoke in a panic like I have the past 3 nights/mornings, but I was able to go back to sleep and slept until 5 minutes before the alarm went off. Not ideal, but I'll take any progress I can.