I hate falling asleep

[Furious J]

I have to take hypnotics in order to sleep. I've been on them for about 4 years now. I don't always dream, but when I do it's seldom pleasant. I'm always being attacked. Obviously I don't remember a lot of it. But, I do always remember being under attack. I'm always being killed or injured in my dreams.

The last one that I remember was so vivid and frightening. I was on a beach. It was in Haiti, I think. I've been there before and I can still remember how the sand felt on my feet. Fine like talcum powder. But very hot. The surf came in suddenly and I was dragged out into open water and left clinging to a picnic table, barely floating on the surface. I could taste the salt in the water. There was a shark in the water. A huge, white shark. Like the ones in movies. Big enough to swallow a man whole. I woke up laying prone on my knees and elbows, clinging to my bed.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? What does it mean to have such violent experiences? I already know that I'm insane. But, there must be something that I can do. I can't go on like this. I scare the hell out of people when I wake up. It's come to the point where I'm isolating myself whenever I go to sleep.

 

[forgetmenot]

Have you talked to you doctor as sometimes medication can cause night terrors. I have had many nightmares where i woke up screaming then not remembered any of it next day. Stress could be a trigger as well for these nightmares what you are discussing in therapy as well. I think talking to your doctor can help maybe and your therapist to just even discuss you dreams

 

[Banned]

Hi Furious,

Yup, used to have dreams like that all the time. Nightly, to the point where I was afraid to go to sleep. I also took some good sleeping pills (just weaned off them about a month ago) to help me sleep.

I was actually thinking about this a couple days ago and talking to someone about it, telling them I finally sleep without having treacherous nightmares that scare the crap out of me. For me, they started disappearing when I was in therapy...I think as I healed from within, they started dissipating. It's been a long, long time now since I've had a nightmare. Now I'm back to the dorky dreams that really don't make any sense.

Have you checked with your doctor about your sleep aid? If I'm not mistaken some of them can actually cause or worsen nightmares. You may want to consider trying something different. There are other things like not watching violent tv before bed, probably not the best time to play some of those World of Warcraft games or whatever they're called. Have a glass of warm milk, relax, etc.

I understand how disturbing and debillitating they can be, so I guess really I just hope you find something that helps you get rid of them.

 

[Andy]

I already know that I'm insane.

Nah. Insane people don't know they are insane.

Sorry your having bad dreams. I hope your able to get better sleep soon. TC

 

[AmZ]

That does sound horrible. Sorry you are experiencing such horrible nightmares.

I had similar nightmares when I started on psychiatric medications but they soon went off.

Maybe you can speak with your doctor who prescribes these to you and see what s/he says.

Hope you get this sorted out soon.

---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 PM ----------

Also, maybe take a look at Getting the Sleep You Need: Tips for a Better Night's Rest

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I don't always dream, but when I do it's seldom pleasant. I'm always being attacked. Obviously I don't remember a lot of it. But, I do always remember being under attack. I'm always being killed or injured in my dreams.

Everyone dreams, several times a night. It's how the brain processes information.

You don't always remember them, though. You are more likely to remember your dreams if you wake up in the middle or shortly after the dream ends, or if the dream is disturbing or frightening.

 

[Retired]

I have to take hypnotics in order to sleep

As has been suggested, have you discussed this with your doctor?

Some sleep medications can interfere with REM sleep causing disruption in the quality of your sleep. Other possibilities could be other medications you might be taking could explain the vivid disruptive dreams and your doctor may suggest a change in the type of medications you are taking....if it is deemed to be a medication issue.

 

[locrian]

Hi,

Some medical centers offer specialised treatment for sleep disorders, and there are sleep disorder centers. My understanding is that a sleep disorder center can actually monitor a patient while they're sleeping, to check for any abnormalities in what they measure. You might want to ask your doctor if this would be appropriate for you.

Another suggestion is to sleep with a bell on your wrist or ankle. Presumably, a bad nightmare will cause you to physically react, and this will get the bell ringing to awaken you sooner. Also, have things in your bedroom that make you feel safe: a stuffed animal that you can hug, a pleasant photo that you can view if you turn a light on, or even a CD of soothing music that you can play. The important thing is to end the nightmare as quickly as possible and to feel safe and in control after you awaken.

Good luck!