[Polperro]

I had a terrifying dream last night, I woke up about 5 in the morning screaming, I kid you not it was really loud.

My heart was pumping as it is now just thinking about the dream.

I have not slept since the dream and I dreading going back to sleep tonite. I was hoping that I would forget about my dream during the day but noway it keeps coming back and reigniting my fear response.

I dont know why this has happened but it is literally frightning the sh** out of me......

What are my options - Dont sleep or .... hmmm dont sleep

Seriously any ideas on how to stop this dream from recurring and advice would be gratefully received.

Thankyou for listening
Polperro

[Sad In TX]

Write it down. Write down the details. It's kind of like therapy, because writing it down might help you release it and perhaps not dream about it again because in a way you are letting it go.
You need sleep; it's good for you! But I really suggest you write what happened. It seems to help, at least a little.

[thephysacist]

I've gone through dreams like that, and not wanting to sleep. I would be scared to sleep, so I'd stay up for days. The outcome of that was I got taken to a psychiatric hospital where they knocked me out for about 2-3 days.

So I really suggest sleeping, though you are scared, it can make it much worse if you don't.

If it happens again, talk to your pdoc about it. They might be able to give you something to help you sleep deeply - I take geodon for that.

Best of luck!

[pegasus]

Hugs (((((( Polperro )))))))

Although frightening, dreams are the way the brain files stuff away into the correct parts of the brain. Many people with PTSD will have recurring dreams, quite often of past abuse. Recurring dreams like these need to be given a nudge.

Before going to bed try to make yourself as relaxed as possible, regulate your breathing so that you are breathing 1-2 in, 1-2 out. When you are comfortable in bed purposely think about the dream but this time really THINK about how you would like the dream to end. Bearing in mind that in a dream you can do anything. So for example you could turn into superman if you wished, or be a warrior holding a big sword. I know this will sound strange but it will work. If the dream keeps coming back, you will need to go through the same process but maybe as a stronger hero each time!

Let me know how you get on.