Rare Night Terrors and Nightmares

Lx1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 02:48
Last edited 14/09/2017 - 21:59 by 1 other user

I dreams/nightmares I often don't remember them only about 3 or 4 over a space of 4 years and they only last a few seconds

all but the ones I do remember are violent and scary often involving death(brutal murders ) kidnapping of people I know sometimes they are so vivid and clean they re appear when I'm trying to sleep this then makes me nervous about sleeping when they have happened recently

Several times during the night I wake up frightened and/or in sweats. But have no idea
They come and go. I'll have many episodes a night for weeks on end and other times I won't have any for months.

I have a very healthy and fit lifestyle

Has anyone experienced this before and have anyway to help kinda prevent it if possible ?

Or any insight to why this happens ??

UPDATE - GP cleared me of any mental and sleeping issues

Health & Beauty

Comments

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 20:03

      Nope never smoked but I have heard that from a few of my friends to

  • Irate Monk on 12/09/2017 - 12:04
    +1

    Do you involuntarily wake up in the early hours (around 3 or 4 am) and have trouble getting back to sleep? This could be indicative of slow onset depression.

    And remember, this can be bipolar.

    Do you have spells of anxiety as well?

    Get yourselves consulted; these things are easier medicated (if need be) early.
    And; don't shun the meds.
    I've personally witnessed how dramatic difference it makes.

    The thing is, one can get conditioned to being in depression, and not realise that.
    The erosion of quality of mind state can be gradual and to see the difference, have to be medicated.

    A Psychology Graduate on the way to masters here.
    Don't take this as professional advise; not practising.

    may the force be with you… :)

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 20:03

      No I do not wake up around those hours it's usually around the midnight mark or about 6am

      Never suffered from anxiety

      Thanks though and good luck with your study

  • shaybisc on 12/09/2017 - 13:26
    +4

    I have nightmares about being attacked by magpies- then I wake up and a magpie attacks me.

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 22:06
      +1

      That's unfortunate

      Hopefully I don't get murdered or kidnapped

  • Halo375 on 12/09/2017 - 13:50
    +1

    Are you having any issues with stress or anxiety? I suffered from stress which pretty much prevented my brain from relaxing and shutting down while I slept which led to night terrors which are pretty horrible. I would suggest head to your GP and have a chat. I've also visited a psychologist and they're good at identifying behaviours that could be causing this. Meditation too is highly recommended - great stuff.

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 20:01

      I don't have any stress in my life and never suffered from anxiety

      Managed to get a appointment with the GP and they agree they can't see any medical reasons to bring these on

      They have me some things to try . If not I'm getting referred to a specialist

  • Geekomatic on 12/09/2017 - 15:52

    Go see your regular GP. Even if this has always happened, throughout your life, it's bothering you enough to post here.

    If it's only started recently, definitely go. Something has changed to initiate it & it could be physical.

    There's no point in postponing.

    Hope everything is okay!

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 22:01

      Thankyou :) GP said everything looks fine from their medical side has given me a few things to try to help and if they don't work he's going to refer me elsewhere

      I've had the issue for about four years but it comes and goes . This is maybe the third of fourth episode of about a week worth of them that I had

  • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 16:37

    Thanks for the help everyone

    I managed to get an appointment with my GP today and they don't seem to think it's any medical issue like anxiety, depression or sleeping illness
    I am a perfectly fit and healthy person, never smoke and rarely drink, have no stresses in my life or any bad events happen to me recently to bring these on, not on any medications, don't touch cafeine and nothing in my past that could be making these occur
    They have given me a few things to try before bed and if these don't help yes referring me to a specialist

  • MDU on 12/09/2017 - 22:11

    seen a lot of people who thought they had no trauma say exactly what you are saying, life's great, dreams are dealing with emotions/feelings that remain unresolved in our waking life..

    PTSD and bad dreams hand in hand and what causes PTSD and how it affects us is different for everyone..

    so in short from my experience its the sleeping mind dealing with unresolved trauma.

    hope you can get down to the bottom of it and most comes from childhood and gets buried down deep as that's how a kid copes.

    lots of people out there in the same boat..

    take care!!!

    • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 22:45

      I completely understand that I have a few friends who have that but I have honestly had a really good life with two good and honest parents that loved me and brought me up well and gave me everything I need. I even asked them and they said nothing has happened in my life that I don't remember
      As the doctor asked the same exact thing and I am pretty sure if I had witnessed people been murdered and or kidnapped( if dreams are meant to deal with in resolved trauma) I would have remember or someone I know would have told me

      My Doctor also confirmed today that they highly doubt it's anything medical eg desperation, anxiety , PSTD etc as I have no symptoms according to them as the dreams can because of many things
      I have a few things to try before bed but if they don't help with the sleeping part I get referred eleswhere

      • ChurchMouth on 13/09/2017 - 12:54

        Was the first bad dream you had, possibly traumatic?

        • x1x1x1 on 14/09/2017 - 22:17

          I honestly don't remember it.

          I only know it happened because I was sleeping with my ex at the time . He said I woke up like I was having a panic attack and I said they killed him, they stabbed him in front of his family and then my ex said he told me to calm down and I laid back down and he cuddled me and I didn't say anything again.

          He told me all this when I woke up and I have no recollection of it at all

  • stean77 on 12/09/2017 - 22:20
    +1

    My nephew was having night terrors , dairy seemed to be the issue

  • x1x1x1 on 12/09/2017 - 23:16
    +2

    Figured it out 👌 My Teddy I sleep with (yes I still sleep with a teddy haha) is possessed 🤔 Had him four years haha

    • payless69 on 14/09/2017 - 08:38

      replace it with something opp gender than yourself. Care is to be taken as 1+1 sometimes equals in 3

      • x1x1x1 on 14/09/2017 - 08:41

        Haha I am not interested in a relationship at the moment

  • dufflover on 13/09/2017 - 00:25

    I don't think I've ever had a good dream in my life (ok maybe not literally but certainly many many years as a whole) and it certainly wears me down. By all reports I still sleep calmly externally at least.
    It's always a similar combination of themes too:
    - often something to do with highschool the place or people (not a good period I my life in hindsight as you can guess)
    - involves recent things I've seen whether it be a movie or something that happened during the week even if normal (this one prob normal for a dream)
    - usually involves some kind of chase or running like zombies or monsters or just bad guys in general
    - if the dream involves me supposedly being a character with powers (yes I'll admit it, like a Jedi or Superman lol) …. they don't work.

    TLDR; bad dreams are the norm for me too and I've learnt to live with it. Just sharing my experiences.

  • Thaal Sinestro on 13/09/2017 - 00:47

    Benzodiazepines like Serapax would be useful, since they suppress REM (dreaming state) sleep, but are hard to obtain prescriptions for. Avoid ones with long half lives like valium (Serapax is comparison only has an 8 hour elimination half-life, ideal for sleeping disruptions). Stillnox has some of the efficacy of benzos, and is easily obtained.

    Keep away from Melatonin but, it increases the amount of vivid dreams you have.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:02

      I'd rather avoid all drugs/medication if possible :)

  • Natt on 13/09/2017 - 01:57

    I would look at lucid dreaming as an option to help with controlling dreams. it can be a huge topic, but start with an easy explanation here:

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lYSX51xBkos

    Also nightmares/disturbed sleep could be a sign of sleep apnoea, do you have any risk factors for that?

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:14

      Sounds interesting but I don't know if it's for me focusing on the dream is the last thing I want to do and also the dreams are never affecting me and I'm never in any danger
      I'm just an invisible on looker

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:16

      I don't think I have sleep apnea symptoms

  • c0balt on 13/09/2017 - 04:29

    This might be horrible advice, but I've heard from multiple people that smoking cannabis before bed causes them to not dream at all.

    • Natt on 13/09/2017 - 05:41
      +2

      That's because it messes with REM sleep apparently. But once you cease use you get 'REM rebound' so even more intense dreams until things settle. So it would be delaying, rather than eliminating the nightmares, and making them worse for a while.

      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18313952

      It's a bit 'pop culturish', but this covers nightmares vs lucid dreaming
      https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/dream-factory/201504/co…

      • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:08

        That sounds interesting but not sure if it would work for me as in the dreams I am never the one in danger
        Iam just a on looker and soon as something bad happens is when I wake up
        The bits I remember the next day only last for s few seconds

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:03

      Not a fan of using drugs prescription or other wise to solve or help issues but thanks

  • MDU on 13/09/2017 - 05:58

    check out some videos on this channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPsoZBvdTvs may help or not :)

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2017 - 06:10

    You watch TV? More specifically tv shows or movies with murders or investigation type?

    I find the more graphic they are that people s subconscious will replay images or scenes depending on the effect or the scene when watched on tv.

    A more relaxing evening is best as it is time to start unwinding and you get into your bed you should just naturally seamlessly go off to sleep.

    All else fails fap like you've never fapped beore.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:09

      Nah I'm not a big tv/ movie person especially at night . I'm a bit of a sook haha

      • KozieSeller on 13/09/2017 - 18:19

        maybe from the news? TV & media is everywhere these days, even though u dont watch it, u are constantly confronted with all this bad murder/kidnap news which gets into your thought

        • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:30

          Highly doubt it but thanks

  • enzioFirenze on 13/09/2017 - 06:44

    try meditating mate, that helps a lot!

  • carwashhair on 13/09/2017 - 07:00

    Dreams are things where the brain is able to process things that occur in conscious (waking) life that necessarily get packaged up (or repressed) in order for us to go about our day without any great cognitive dissonance.

    The beauty is that dreams occur in the unconscious, which itself is free of time and space. So all those conscious and sub- conscious thoughts and desires of our day restricted by time/space/ the external world coalesce in dreams, where our brains make thematic linkages between all these events (past, present and even future) without restriction.

    The absence of space/ time restrictions means dreams can get very 'creative' in finding solutions to the puzzles your waking life brings. And while all this may bring little comfort to you in your situation (I'd also advise along with others in seeing a therapist), the fact you are having these dreams is in one sense healthy. The fact that you're waking and not returning to sleep is not - as that is your unconscious threatening to overwhelm your whole mind.

    Not dreaming may be an even worse state to be in (as cobalt and nat point out) - I had a friend who smoked pot nightly for 10 years and said he didn't dream during that time. For 18 months after quitting he was dreaming so vividly he ended up being medicated for panic attacks and anxiety. That's why I tend to think of dreaming as the brain's work.

    I do hope you find peace and healing, x1x1x1. Try to be kind to yourself, as the outside world won't always be kind to you. You are young and there's a lot of pressure on you to know just how the world operates and how to operate in that world, all while learning to be the kind of person you want to be.

    P.S. The brain is friggin' amazing!

  • belongsinforums on 13/09/2017 - 07:47

    had recurring nightmares stretching a few years as a youngin. Do see a professional. It will eventually go away. Do discuss it with loved ones

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 08:05

      No I don't see a professional yet as I've had them for about 4 years as far as I know but they come and go . I've never had them for a week like I have had this time but I had sold sleep last night with no disturbancses which was good

  • Caped Baldy on 13/09/2017 - 09:02

    I haven't had to deal with this but I do get those intrusive thoughts. Have you discussed this with close family or friends(excluding ozb of course) or even tried writing down your dreams in detail?

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 09:28

      not my family but with my ex partner I did as he was the one that first noticed because then I was actually remembering them but would act like I was awake and tell him everything that happened

      I'd rather not write them down they are something I'd rather not dwell on as some are very violent and others I don't actually remember then next day I only wake up scared during the night then 90% of the time go back to sleep

  • Tech5 on 13/09/2017 - 10:23

    Try valerian root 2000mg x 2 capsules 30min before sleep. No grogginess next morning, no relapse effect and no addictive properties. It doesnt make you sleepy, but it calms the mind and stops racing thoughts. Friend would wake up 6-7 times a night, sometimes for 2 hours at a time. He tried it after I suggested and he didn't wake up at all.

    Do not combine with benzo's, alcohol or any other depressants. Don't need a script for it

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 10:30

      I'd like to stay away from taking medications for it if possible

    • Cluster on 13/09/2017 - 16:15

      I find valerian gives me much more vivid and long lasting dreams. Might not be what the OP is seeking.

  • myusername on 13/09/2017 - 10:25

    are you taking any medication at present?

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 10:30

      No Iam not

  • SteatoLegato on 13/09/2017 - 10:53

    I am not a specialist but it could be as simple as breathing troubles during sleep. Do you snore? You may have a case of sleep apnoea when you CO2 levels rise during sleep this produces a degree of narcosis that can precipitate vivid dreams. Basically your body's way of telling you to wake the hell up so you can breathe properly. A GP can diagnose sleep apnoea based on a number of common symptoms including snoring, diurnal somnolence, lethargy, overweight smoking etc.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:31

      as far as I know I don't snore and GP given all clear on any mental health issues or sleep apnea

  • dc4207 on 13/09/2017 - 11:00
    +1

    Please dont laugh but, This winter I put polar fleece sheets on my bed, both my husband and myself started having crazy dreams everynight. I think the polyester sheets are toxic, check if your sheets are cotton or PLASTIC!

    Another bit of advice I can give that has helped my primary school daughter sleep is I bought a can of Lavender Oil spray and spray on her pillow b4 bed, its gr8 for getting her to relax and can also be used for massage, skin conditions and more. Good Luck

    • JH100 on 13/09/2017 - 15:40

      Could have been the chemicals they come treated with?

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2017 - 11:00

    Alcohol. The cause of and solutions to all of lifes problems.

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 13/09/2017 - 11:08

    Do you take any supplements?

    How many minutes/hours before sleep do you eat? And what do you eat?

    What's your job?

    At what time do you exercise?

    Do you sleep on your back?

    All the points others have expressed above are valid points, despite sounding a bit invasive. Cessation of "fapping" or smoking weed are known to trigger compensatory excess of REM sleep. But there are tonnes of substances and foods that can affect dopamine, adenosine (the famous one being caffeine) and other hormones that are known to trigger vivid dreams and nightmares either when they're used or stopped being used.

    When you can't identify a cause they normally refer you to a sleep specialist to check for sleep apnea and other sleeping-disorders. If you're obese, a snorer, or have nasal issues a sleep-related issue may be possible.

    We should probably all be checked for sleep disorders because there's a lot of grumpy-pants walking around.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:29

      Do you take any supplements?
      No

      How many minutes/hours before sleep do you eat? And what do you eat?
      I probabaly eat at about 6.30pm and beds usually 10.30/11 pm

      What's your job?
      In the hospitality Indusry

      At what time do you exercise?
      5pm

      Do you sleep on your back?
      Um no idea haha I don't fall asleep on my back so I'm guessing not

      I have no actual issues falling asleep and not tired during the day. Just wake up occasionally and most of the time go back to sleep

      • belongsinforums on 13/09/2017 - 20:46

        Hospitality. Bingo.

        • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:56

          What's that meant to mean ? Haha

        • belongsinforums on 13/09/2017 - 22:10

          @x1x1x1: hard place to get satisfaction out of

        • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 22:16

          @tomkun01:

          I've done it for 6 years and I actually really enjoy it . I'm in high up management for most of the week then do some casual work on weekends/public holidays for that extra $$$

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2017 - 11:22

    You say you work out etc. Do you use protein/energy supplements. Many of these have all sorts of ingredients known to affect sleep and other things.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:33

      No I don't take any

  • MessyG on 13/09/2017 - 11:25

    See GP. There are both medical and psychological causes for this.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:30

      As mentioned I already have and been given the all clear

      • MessyG on 13/09/2017 - 20:56

        Did they make any suggestions? If this is still happening and isn't resolved I would go back and request a referral to a sleep specialist and get a sleep study done. I would argue that it's not all clear if it's still affecting your life, it sounds awful.

        • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:58

          I have a things to try but they didn't want to give me a referal for a sleep study as I don't have enough symptoms
          Which is fair enough as this is the first lot of dreams I've had/ remember to effect me in this whole year

          And I didn't have one last night but was pretty tired to slept pretty solidly according to fit bit 3 hours of my sleep was spent in the deep sleep stage

        • MessyG on 13/09/2017 - 21:10

          @x1x1x1: Fair enough although if it keeps happening do go back and let them know it's affecting your life in spite of their advice of things to try, they'll do it for you.

          A few thoughts on a more personal note. I had a similar thing happen, really shocking, violent nightmares that freaked me right out that went on for a few months. No other symptoms or red flags. My sister is a psychologist and she told me at the time that she sees this happen when ones basic needs aren't being met. Basic animal needs like food, warmth, sleep, shelter, love etc, anything that can be interpreted as a subconscious threat to your survival. At the time I'd recently had a baby, and was barely getting to eat and shower, let alone feed myself. So with some help from my family I was able to eat a bit more, get in the shower, nap in the daytime, and the nightmares disappeared. That's just my anecdotal story and may or may not be relevant at all. They were easy things to pick out, sometimes it's not so easy. The problem with subconscious psychology is that you may be completely unaware of it. Your life and interpretation of the world might seem completely normal but at another level, there's some sort of conflict between the reality you're in and your view of yourself in the world. Heavy stuff, much too complicated for me.

          If sleep hygiene techniques don't work for you, do go back to the GP for that sleep referral and I'd also get a psychologist referral, especially if sleep study normal - your subconscious psyche might be trying to tell you something.

        • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 21:16

          @MissG:

          Yeh if they continue I will :) usually it's only a once off every now and then snd no other sleeping issues so I didn't bother but if it does continue this time I will

  • baggyred on 13/09/2017 - 11:27
    +1

    Ok so random solution that worked for my kids - no idea as to efficacy with adults.

    My kids kept getting night terrors/nightmares - then we heard a random "old wives tale" to give them worming tablets.

    Now I am a skeptic (and still remain a skeptic) - but the fact remains, from the moment the kid had the worming tablets, the nightmares stopped for months.

    When they re-started (maybe 3 months later), we wormed again and sure enough they stopped completely.

    YMMV

    • JH100 on 13/09/2017 - 15:41

      Interesting. Any explanation?

      • baggyred on 13/09/2017 - 17:25

        Nope - the only thing I can think of was they had worms and somehow this was affecting their sleeping patterns.

        Either way - all i know is it worked almost immediately for us - it could have just been coincidence as well. But it would be some coincidence.

        • Kail on 13/09/2017 - 17:53

          Could have been the placebo effect?

        • baggyred on 13/09/2017 - 18:20

          @Kail:

          With a 2 year old? He just thought he was getting chocolate

        • Kail on 13/09/2017 - 19:14

          @baggyred: So you didn't tell him you were giving him something to stop his nightmares?
          If not then maybe they include an ingredient that impacts sleep.
          Or it could have been magic. You never know.

        • baggyred on 14/09/2017 - 10:34

          @Kail:

          AT 2 he didn't even realise what was happening - he'd wake up the next morning fresh as a daisy. We of course were stuffed.

          I don't think it was an ingredient. It was either blind luck/coincidence or he had worms which caused the nightmares.

  • myusername on 13/09/2017 - 11:33

    are you batman?

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:34
      +1

      Yes Yes Iam…. damn someone knows my secret

  • cameldownunder on 13/09/2017 - 11:47

    On a more serious note: My view about dreams is that they counter balance your life.
    I go to sleep upset, and have biggest fights with my brother or my wife, and the morning I am peaceful like a dove.
    Sometimes when I don't get much attention from my wife, I meet a nice girl in my dream, and we smooch around, and I wake up, with the same feeling you get when you fall in love. Other times when I get even less attention, my dreams are like a porn film.
    So maybe something is troubling you, and as you are a peaceful person and balanced, you let steam off in your dreams.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 21:05

      Even though I am actually not doing anything in these dreams ?
      I am mearly and on looker?

      • boopaloop on 14/09/2017 - 20:20

        Perhaps that's the problem with life? How exciting are things at the moment? Or is it all routine and a bit predictable? Perhaps your brain is compensating and trying to add some drama into your life!

        • x1x1x1 on 14/09/2017 - 20:40

          Life isn't really predictable and never really a routine
          Everyone works and does their own hobbies etc but things always come up and things change not everyday is the same thing

        • boopaloop on 14/09/2017 - 22:34

          @x1x1x1: I wouldn't worry about a thing then :). I don't think what you're going through is abnormal (unqualified other than my ontheinternet degree) until it starts becoming a far more regular occurrence. As long you're able to take it in your stride and it doesn't affect your daily behaviour I think it's a bit of a waste of time to try and find the "why".

          Best of luck <3

        • boopaloop on 14/09/2017 - 22:43

          @boopaloop: as a side note, our brains intentionally imagine horrible situations as a way of preparing ourselves for the worst so that if we ever find ourselves in these situations we can react quickly. Everyone thinks they are morbid for thinking about these things but it's actually completely normal and natural behaviour. You're normal. Well at least mentally…. That fitness regime is super weird.

        • x1x1x1 on 15/09/2017 - 09:17

          @boopaloop:

          What's weird about a fitness regime ?

        • x1x1x1 on 15/09/2017 - 09:18

          @boopaloop:

          It does effect when I can't sleep but because lately I've had it more often I would of liked to try figure out why but as I can't I won't worry as I haven't had any for three nights now

  • Lockieasy on 13/09/2017 - 12:15
    +1

    If it's happening constantly then you're having psychic premonitions and should start your own TV show.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:34

      Sounds like a good idea hahaha

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2017 - 12:17

    As other people have mentioned, you could try some weekly meditation or mindfulness sessions/workshops.

    Otherwise, given your GP doesn't think there is anything "medically" wrong with you, it wouldn't hurt having a chat with a psychologist (can access up to 10 sessions/year under medicare). Even if there is nothing "wrong" with you, they could give you some self-help strategies before bed, or help on how to get back to sleep after a nightmare. Again, meditation/mindfulness could help with getting back to sleep.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 20:36

      Yeh my GP has given me some self help techniques to try. I didn't have any last night so that's a bonus

  • Panda222 on 13/09/2017 - 12:26
    +2

    My wife had the issue. Food / Diet changes helped. It really works. I would look into your diet.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 16:13

      I already have a very strict diet I follow from dietian

  • Jikx on 13/09/2017 - 12:32

    Easy things first - diet, exercise, relaxation activities prior to sleep and good sleep hygiene (i.e no caffeine, alcohol, screen/monitor time prior bed, same sleep/wake time everyday).

    One thing that you could consider is a sleep study - because having sleep apnoea can sometimes cause people to have terrible nightmares because you're literally choking.

    • ChurchMouth on 13/09/2017 - 12:50

      This.

      Also check if you are a mouth breather. You could be hyper-ventilating in your sleep. Nose breathing tends to slow things down.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 16:16

      Already have a strict diet from my dietian and have 5 PT sessions a week plus gym, I don't smoke, drink(alcohol), drugs , no caffeine

      Also have no symptoms of sleep apnea

      • Jikx on 14/09/2017 - 14:49

        Night terrors is also a symptom of sleep apnoea.
        It's a fairly simple test, and one that would be important to do if you really want to know if there's a physical component to your symptoms.

        • x1x1x1 on 14/09/2017 - 15:21

          Doctor doesn't seem to think it's necessary

  • ChurchMouth on 13/09/2017 - 12:48

    Do you already take any anti-histamines?

    I know you said you don't want to rely on drugs but it possibly might help you identify a cause of your issue, and then you can follow up with 'diet' accordingly.

    As an experiment, you could try some over the counter "periactin" (australia). It is the anti-histamine of chemical name Cyproheptadine… a well studied, first generation anti-histamine. It is anti-seritonergic amongst other things, and if it helps, could point towards re-thinking some of the foods you eat, particularly your digestion etc.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproheptadine#Research
    "As of 2012, descriptions of the use of cyproheptadine to reduce the number of nightmares in around 12 people with post-traumatic stress syndrome had been published; it appeared to be helpful in all of them.[21]"

    Cyproheptadine hype, and the community that approaches seratonin and other things a bit differently than mainstream:
    https://raypeatforum.com/community/threads/cyproheptadine-a-…

    Of course see your doctor for advice about risks if you can't research and understand yourself.

    I take 1/8th of a tablet (0.5mg) for a restful sleep occasionally. Any more and I sleep a bit too well. I notice I do dream though when taking it.

  • BertieBrown on 13/09/2017 - 13:00
    +1

    As much as it's def worthwhile getting some feedback and ideas from other people, if you're feeling disturbed or affected by these thoughts (after you've had the dreams) it might be worthwhile seeing a counsellor. Ultimately nobody can offer 1-1 psychotherapy, prescribe medication or get to deeper issues with you on a forum. I'm not trying to nitpick either, it's worthwhile reaching out if you're really sure * edit; unsure where to seek help but actual psychotherapy or counselling is likely to be fleeting at best on any forum. You may also get a lot of unhelpful or non-specific feedback about medications, self analysis or opinions that just aren't helpful.

    There may be free or subsidised services available in your local community or you could investigate a mental health care plan, which is an access scheme that can be engaged by your GP or a GP if you don't have a regular one, which qualifies you for subsidised / free sessions up to 10 per calendar year, with a psychologist or clinical psychologist (the fee will depend on who you see and how much of a GAP they charge you, if any; I.E; some will bulk bill), typically a GP will want to ask you some questions or may like to try some counselling with you initially before organising a plan but it's quite straightforward.

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 16:14

      I mentioned that to my GP and they don't think it's worth it as they don't think I have any psychological issues

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 21:06

      I don't have any issues with the dreams after I just forget them and move them on but after a week of them thought I'd look into it as it's usually only one every now and then

  • DiscoJango on 13/09/2017 - 13:13
    +1

    I have noticed that if i am too hot, too many blankets etc then i dont sleep well, as well as an increased chance of nightmares

    • AyjeofSpades on 13/09/2017 - 21:22

      This matches my experience as well. Though it's more sleep walking / talking / running / jumping / catching / fighting than nightmares.

  • jno on 13/09/2017 - 13:15

    I had a dream last night that I was the hound or in his pov while me and a bunch of guys were being butchered while being asleep… I could clearly feel the sensation of being stabbed and cut but I remember getting revenge on them back I felt every jab and slice… It was messy

    Too much Got maybe lol

    • x1x1x1 on 13/09/2017 - 16:16
      +1

      That's a bit crazy haha

  • zoe hart on 13/09/2017 - 13:33
    -2

    Nightmares are the worst! I agree with other comment about your psyche finding balance. I.e. you are content in your life - in ur dreams u are the " invisible onlooker" Maybe you are a very caring person, and ur dreams are a representation of how extremely bad life can be for other ppl in the world. ( a kind of "survivors guilt) The fact that it is ppl u know (getting hurt in ur dreams) is really ur subconscious trying to make the connection between a stranger vs. a loved one. The world can be a horrible place - we see it on the news- and although it is not ur life, part of you knows it could be. That's just my thinking anyway. I had a lot of nightmares in my 20's. I think u will grow out of it. Some suggestions that may help - buy or make a dreamcatcher, start wearing a crystal to bed (amethyst can speed process up, but may make dreams worse in short term) or tourmaline. Also, take magnesium before bed.

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