I keep having nightmares

[shilohismygirl]

....about my ferrets! The night before last, I had a dream that Oz got hurt. Last night, I dreamed that Fiddler died! That one was a wake up screaming- crying- literally scared out of my mind-inconsolable, I really thought it happened-dream. It was horrible. There was a flood in my house, and I got everyone out, except Fiddler, who had gotten water in his lungs or something and was dying in my arms! Oh my god. These dreams have to stop, or they'll drive me crazy. And I'm sure Fiddler didn't appreciate being rudely awakened to give mom her 3 am nightmare cuddle. It was so scary, especially since I thought it happened for like ten minutes after I was already awake, and had to be convinced by my bleary eyed husband that he was fine.

[Heather]

Your really going to have to stop watching the news before going to bed.....No, seriously....nightmares are horrible things because without extreme amount of care we cannot control them (but you can if you work at it) and they can leave you actually feeling physically ill afterwards. Perhaps some chamomille tea and something that you find very relaxing and soothing before bed might help. Yoga, or even sitting quietly and listening to soothing music. Stress is often the cause, things that are going on in your personal life, good or bad can be stressful and will manifest themselves in dreams or nightmares. Why are you so concerned about your furbabies, are they ill, is someone close to you ill (you don't have to answer these questions they're just suggestions, reasons if you will ), are the storms and hurricanes happening close to you or do they disturb you (that's why I said to stop watching world news ) It's funny (strange not haha) how the mind works. I hope you find a solution. I know that this can be horribly disturbing. Good luck
ciao

[shilohismygirl]

Thanks, Heather. Yes, I was to the point that I never really had nightmares, before I got the ferrets. I do know the steps to take to have more control over my dreams, but I really stopped working at it. I have to start again, I think. I'll have to take some me time in the evenings. lol I really never watch the news-I don't have TV-and the weather is perfect right now. But, I can say that stress is an issue. My senior year in college is the one that really counts, and I know I can't mess up. Plus, my husband is having some issues, and naturally, it concerns me. And, the day before yesterday, Hiro fell from my arms, and I seriously thought I hurt him, but it turns out that he is fine. In any case, I hope tonight doesn't bring any more nightmares-I'll try and relax tonight instead of stressing. ^_^

[katt]

I feel your pain. I have TERRIBLE nightmares. More like Night Terrors really. They are always very vivid and seem so real, even after I wake up. One dream was so terrible that I had to call my Mom and make sure that she was still alive! It was like 3 or 4 am where they live so my Dad was not happy. lol I mean, I am a little old for that, no? But watching my parents be lowered into their own caskets with such vivid detail...yeah, just had to check.

You know what helps me? For one, having someone sleep with me. I typically sleep much better and don't have night terrors when Shane stays over. Also, I recently got into dream catchers. Some people believe in them, some don't but I feel like just the idea of having something to catch my dreams helps me rest better at night. Do some research on them and make your own. It is really fun and a peaceful project to do. Go on a walk and pick things that you like like feathers and shells and even nice stones. You can get all of the Materials from a craft store. I used a green branch from an actual tree for mine. You can drill holes in shells and rocks, and buy beads to put on too. I feel like gathering the things yourself gives it more meaning.

[shilohismygirl]

That's an awesome idea, Katt. I'm a very artsy craft oriented person, so that sounds like a great idea. I think that this must have been more akin to your night terrors, as it was the most realistic dream I have ever had. I sleep with my hubby every night, and it doesn't seem to help. However, that dream catcher thing is really cool. I'm constantly gathering random stuff from walks, so that would put them to good use.

[Heather]

My son has slept with dreamcatchers in his room since he was 18 months and he had night terrors. His first catcher was gifted to him by an old shaman. It appeared to help him if nothing else but to give him security. His terrors were more horrifying for the household than for him as true terrors are never remembered but they disrupt the sleep pattern and often cause behavioural issues do to this disruption.
ciao

[katt]

Yeah they aren't night terrors by definition, but they are certainly worse than your regular old nightmares! I think a lot of the "power" of a dream catcher is the security. Even if it is a placebo effect, who cares if it works? I have had far fewer terrible dreams since I made my dream catcher, and it is not even 100% finished yet!

Here is my fb photo album of the one I started for me, and the one I made for my little sister's birthday. I put some step-by-step pictures of the stitch in there because my friend wanted to make one too...

[suzieszoo]

Any type of anxiety will manifest in these type of nightmares- I agree that stress management is very important. Meditation and breathwork at bedtime. Also many people do not realize that stress causes a chemical imbalance in the body-fight or flight- and adrenaline levels in the bloodstream accumulate and it becomes a cycle that perpetuates. Excercise works adrenaline out of the bloodstream and puts it to positive use. 10 minutes of aerobic movement, preferrably a brisk walk outside daily will improve the stress and anxiety issue during sleep within a couple of days, I promise <3

[shilohismygirl]

Oh yes, I know that night terrors never really are remembered by the person, as I used to have them when I was little, I am told. I was a horror to be around during them, they say-but I grew out of them.

Yes, the dream catcher idea is a great one, as even if it is a placebo it does help, if you believe it will, I think. There's nothing wrong with that.

Plus, exercise does help, I know--my semester just started and I'm still working my scheduling out with that and exercise as before school started I was concentrating on that. I need to find a time everyday that I can do some things like this, as I don't want to undo all the work I've done.