Nightmares with unitentional harm

[buettner1975]

I need advice and help. I have nightmares and terrors three to four times a week; which is down from daily. During my nightmare I believe that I am struggling, because I wake up with scratches on my arms, hands, chest, and head. I must be fighting, I don't know. Its termed depersonalization, a symptom of PTSD. I'm afraid that I could cause serious harm in some form during the nightmare, not knowing it. The pain of the scratches causes flashbacks on my trauma. What can I do to lessen the bodily harm? Does anyone else have this same problem?

 

[littleoc]

Yes, many people have it -- no worries :)

I tried wearing mittens. Those were too annoying and I could find a soft pair, so I switched to "pajama gloves" -- the type you wear when going camping. Soft and thick, kind of light weight too. It doesn't stop scratches completely, but it makes it much better.

I also wear thicker pajama pants to bed. The weight alone seems to relax me in my sleep. I'm hoping to invest in a weighted blanket soon, and maybe that'll help even more? I'll try to remember to tell you the answer some time.

 

[Gs172003]

There are gloves designed to soften your hands at night. Maybe try those?