Thanks Kel. These 'real' dreams are nothing new, but you have explained to me really well about them, and made it really clear 'why' they happen- as much as anyone can say 'why'! My pdoc won't put me on any other medication- my nurse is having a talk with her today but we both know the the doc won't do anything! I will have to try and find a music player to put in my room- I have the music but only the stereo in the lounge... I'm sure that I can find a cd player somewhere in the house- I am pretty sure I have one around! Last night was slightly better- I did end up working myself up so much that I had to phone our emergency mental health team and the lady on the phone gave me the same tips you did to relax and sort myself out so even though I didn't get much sleep (I still avoided going to bed til really late!!) it was a more settled sleep. Thanks for your help- and I can really identify with the coughing and dry-retching...poor bubs looks at me in quite a concerned way when I am having an 'attack'!!!