I woke up recently next to a friend and he was literally shaking all over. It scared the life out of me. I thought I'd have to call 911. I thought he was having a seizure or something. Then I leaned over and put my arm around him to see if it was just a nightmare. It calmed him down and woke him up. I asked were you dreaming? But he said no and turned off to me. He just said go back to sleep. I think he was having a nightmare. Has anyone else ever noticed a spouse or friend having a nightmare that caused their whole body to shake? Can that happen?

I've read that you shouldn't wake someone having a nightmare but I just couldn't help myself. Do you think it's a bad idea to wake someone?

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

[Thunder Bow]

He may have been dreaming but not aware of it. Shaking can mean fear on down to recalling past abuse when he was a child. Being defensive as he was, I would say he was quite scared and embarassed about it.

Thank you for responding Thunder Bow. Your answer makes a lot of sense. I am afraid that he has suffered some kind of trauma but has never told me. I don't think he ever will.