All of my dreams are bad/nightmares - any tips?

[StarlaStardust]

Hey LS'ers. This is my first post in this section. Thank you for your help!

Basically, I have bad dreams every night. It has been like this as long as I can remember. I've had a traumatic life, but in my waking hours I am a healthy, happy person for the most part. I do see a therapist, but the dreams persist.

 

The dreams aren't about any specific traumas. Just random stressful scenarios that my brain invents. It's like all the anxieties I could be experiencing during the day, but don't because I have my anxiety under control, just come out in my dreams.

[Meeks7]

1. Be proactive: Pray for Jesus to protect you from having nightmares and to give you a peaceful good rest instead

 

2. Be reactive: Should you still have a nightmare, as much as you can, try to say "JESUS." There is mighty power in His name and I was told this from the start. Whenever I had horrific nightmares, I would be like half awake. I would remember to call on JESUS and everytime I mentioned His name, I would wake up instantly.

 

I don't know your general thoughts on faith, but try it. It couldn't hurt.

[Philosoraptor]

What is your routine before going to bed? Are you ignoring stressful situations or choices during the day? Often dreams are a way to figure out the things going on throughout life.

 

I often have dreams where I am analyzing things. Even back in school I would solve problems in my sleep and wake up to write answers down.

[StarlaStardust]

Who is Jesus? There aren't a lot of Mexicans in my neighborhood, so I feel a little confused. I will take a walk to the local bar today and see if anyone named Jesus is there. Thanks.

[StarlaStardust]

What is your routine before going to bed? Are you ignoring stressful situations or choices during the day? Often dreams are a way to figure out the things going on throughout life.

 

I often have dreams where I am analyzing things. Even back in school I would solve problems in my sleep and wake up to write answers down.

 

My routine is basically washing up and doing all the girly primping stuff I like to do, and then listening to relaxing music and catching up on facebook/forums and stuff. I even listen to sleep hypnosis audios to chill out, but 7-8 hours later by the morning, I'm waking up from some seriously stressful dreams.

[tman666]

Definitely recommend doing some stretching, meditation, or other relaxing activity for an hour or so before bed. Trying to work or other stimulating activities (even mentally stimulating, such as video games) before bed isn't good for sleeping well.

 

Something that has helped me a lot, in addition to the above, is a cup of hot tea or a glass of water with a few drops of holy basil extract in it.

[Meeks7]

Who is Jesus? There aren't a lot of Mexicans in my neighborhood, so I feel a little confused. I will take a walk to the local bar today and see if anyone named Jesus is there. Thanks.

 

Haha, I assume you are being sarcastic?

 

If you aren't, apologize my laughing above. It's just such a hilarious reply. However, if you were serious -- Jesus Christ is the son of God and the one the Bible is mostly written about (in particular, in the New Testament portion of the Bible).

 

Again, I have no idea where you stand on the topic of FAITH, but it works. By it I mean when you are having a bad nightmare, if you are conscious enough to say the name "JESUS" out loud, the nightmare stops. It's worked for me AND for non-believing friends that I've recommended this to. My non-Christian friend had a nightmare once SO frightening, he didn't care if he didn't believe in Jesus, he had nothing to lose.

 

So he yelled JESUS! in his nightmare, and he instantly woke up. He called me, all freaked out, and he told me I was right. I responded, "No, this ain't about who's right and who's wrong. This is about the power of Jesus."

 

My friend became a believer after that. There is power in the name of Jesus Christ. So next time (perhaps tonight?) you find yourself entrenched in a vivid nightmare, try saying the name of Jesus. Like I said, you got absolutely nothing to lose.

[writergal]

Hey LS'ers. This is my first post in this section. Thank you for your help!

Basically, I have bad dreams every night. It has been like this as long as I can remember. I've had a traumatic life, but in my waking hours I am a healthy, happy person for the most part. I do see a therapist, but the dreams persist.

 

The dreams aren't about any specific traumas. Just random stressful scenarios that my brain invents. It's like all the anxieties I could be experiencing during the day, but don't because I have my anxiety under control, just come out in my dreams.

 

The reason people have nightmares is pretty simple:

 

Anxiety and Stress

Spicy Foods

Junk Foods

Alcohol

Soda Pop

Drugs (and this includes OTC's that can cause nightmares too)

Illnesses

Late night exercise

Sleep Disorders

Technology late at night (Tv, computer laptop, cellphone)*the artificial light suppresses Melatonin production which is what our body uses to set our sleep cycle with. Basically Melatonin is what causes drowsiness naturally, and when you watch tv late at night or Facebook right before bed as you're doing, you're suppressing your body's biological clock, so you're screwing up your own sleep cycle by exposing it to all that artificial light. Your nightmares could be from lack of proper sleep cycling.

 

 

The sleep disorders that I've read about that cause nightmares are narcolepsy and sleep apnea (where you stop breathing, then start again sometimes waking up then you have to go back to sleep).

 

If the nightmares continue after you address the above suggestions, then you may need to make an appointment at a Sleep Center with a sleep doctor. Insurance will cover those visits if you get a referral from your main doctor.

Edited July 9, 2012 by writergal

[StarlaStardust]

Haha, I assume you are being sarcastic?

 

 

Quite. Incidentally, I have this recurring nightmare about proselytizers showing up randomly throughout the day and sometimes even at my doorstep or on internet message boards. And then I realize IT'S NOT A DREAM AT ALL *twilight zone music*

[StarlaStardust]

Thank you, everyone, for the tips!

[Meeks7]

Quite. Incidentally, I have this recurring nightmare about proselytizers showing up randomly throughout the day and sometimes even at my doorstep or on internet message boards. And then I realize IT'S NOT A DREAM AT ALL *twilight zone music*

 

For the record, I didn't try to convert you

 

Merely gave you a suggestion as to what has worked for me, many others, and even those who do not believe. You asked, I responded.

 

In the end, it's your choice to choose and react however you wish.

[StarlaStardust]

For the record, I didn't try to convert you

 

Merely gave you a suggestion as to what has worked for me, many others, and even those who do not believe.

 

Yes you did, sweet pea <3

[Meeks7]

Yes you did, sweet pea <3

 

That is your interpretation. At any rate, next time you have a nightmare, it is my hope that you'll try and see for yourself.

[StarlaStardust]

That is your interpretation. At any rate, next time you have a nightmare, it is my hope that you'll try and see for yourself.

 

No, really. This is the problem with proselytizers. They don't realize they're doing it. You might be the most educated, intelligent person in the world, but in this realm, logic escapes you. I guess that's the price you pay for every time you tell someone to try "turning to Jesus even if they don't believe" and backing it up with some convincing anecdote -- a little bit of your capacity for logic dies a shameful death. But hey, you're not trying to convert anyone, right;)? Just trying to get non believers to try turning to Jesus, right;)?

 

I do respect your religion. But it's like a p*nis... I don't want you to whip it out and ask me to put it in my mouth and then tell me I'm somehow IMAGINING that you've asked for a BJ. Keep it in your pants. Have a nice day.

[Meeks7]

No, really. This is the problem with proselytizers. They don't realize they're doing it. You might be the most educated, intelligent person in the world, but in this realm, logic escapes you. I guess that's the price you pay for every time you tell someone to try "turning to Jesus even if they don't believe" and backing it up with some convincing anecdote -- a little bit of your capacity for logic dies a shameful death. But hey, you're not trying to convert anyone, right;)? Just trying to get non believers to try turning to Jesus, right;)?

 

I do respect your religion. But it's like a p*nis... I don't want you to whip it out and ask me to put it in my mouth and then tell me I'm somehow IMAGINING that you've asked for a BJ. Keep it in your pants. Have a nice day.

 

 

Haha, uh, OK. It sounds like you've had some bad experiences in the past. I get it. But you asked, and I offered something that worked. The level of offense which you took with my stance is more of a reflection of your attitudes and belief than mine.

 

Some people don't mind any possible answer that might help in any negative situation. I offered you one and you chose to make it a bigger deal than it really is. That's all there is to it. I didn't quote Scripture or ask you to read the Bible or attend church. It's an easily accessible thing anyone can do and all it takes is 1 measly second. Saying the name "JESUS" when nightmares occur.

 

No worries, I'm not offended whatsoever.

Edited July 11, 2012 by Meeks7

[StarlaStardust]

Haha, uh, OK. It sounds like you've had some bad experiences in the past. I get it. But you asked, and I offered something that worked. The level of offense which you took with my stance is more of a reflection of your attitudes and belief than mine.

 

Some people don't mind any possible answer that might help in any negative situation. I offered you one and you chose to make it a bigger deal than it really is. That's all there is to it. I didn't quote Scripture or ask you to read the Bible or attend church. It's an easily accessible thing anyone can do and all it takes is 1 measly second. Saying the name "JESUS" when nightmares occur.

 

No worries, I'm not offended whatsoever.

 

This is actually my worst experience yet. The thing is, usually the first or second time I make it clear that I'm NOT interested, they, you know, go away.

[Meeks7]

You really have made my suggestion bigger than what it was intended to be, lol. Your reaction speaks louder than my suggestion spoke.

 

Take care.

[Ruby Slippers]

I think the things we're not really dealing with in our waking life come out in our dreams. We're not facing them consciously, so they bubble up from the subconscious so we have to look at them.

 

I'd recommend doing some personal development, on your own or with a therapist, to get to the bottom of things.

 

Dream journaling - writing down what you dreamed the moment you wake up - can give you some insight. Try to record what happened in your dreams right after you wake up. Keep a notebook and pen by the bed.

 

What are the recurring themes and events in your nightmares? That may give you some clues.

 

And finally, a cool, brainy, artful movie about learning to lucid dream - control your dreams while you're in them - is Waking Life.

[StarlaStardust]

Thanks, Ruby, for your insight!

 

I do have a therapist and the recurring themes are definitely a reflection of my anxieties/traumas.

 

Though, sometimes, it's just cuz I watched a scary/stressful movie, haha. Ohhh, Zombies.

 

I stopped being around flashy electronics before bed per an earlier suggestion and I think it's helping!

[Ross MwcFan]

Sorry I can't be of any help. I just wanted to say nearly evey single one of my dreams are bad too. They're not nightmares, but they just feel depressing and I just don't like the feeling they give me.

 

I can't remember the last time I had a dream that felt okay.

[StarlaStardust]

Sorry I can't be of any help. I just wanted to say nearly evey single one of my dreams are bad too. They're not nightmares, but they just feel depressing and I just don't like the feeling they give me.

 

I can't remember the last time I had a dream that felt okay.

 

:::::::hugs::::::::::: at least we're not alone?

[Ross MwcFan]

:::::::hugs::::::::::: at least we're not alone?

 

I guess we aren't, lol. Thanks.

[thecd]

Cannabis does actually work extremely well, and much safer then the prescribed toxic chemicals.

[StarlaStardust]

Cannabis does actually work extremely well, and much safer then the prescribed toxic chemicals.

 

Cannabis is an excellent choice for a lot of people, and I'm glad you mentioned it. I was an avid user for many years, which surprisingly didn't stop the dreams. Now I have stopped entirely and the dreams are of course more vivid, but the overall content/stress of them isn't any different.

[Coffee20]

I deal with this too, it helps me when I exercise or do some physical activity before I go to bed, or I simply watch some comedies and try not to focus on myself. Sometimes it helps me, sometimes not.