How to stop nightmares?

[Birding_babe]

Hi everyone, I’m 37 and suffer from frequent nightmares. It’s so upsetting and I lose sleep time when I wake up shaken and need to calm down again. It happens once a week to every other week. I can’t figure out a pattern or trigger. I avoid scary movies, scary tv shows, and I even recently deleted my phone’s news widget because it wouldn’t stop showing gruesome headlines. I fall asleep easily. I’m active most every day (which generally helps me get to sleep). It could be anxiety but it happens even after good days. Why is this happening, and how can I reduce the frequency? 🙏🙏🙏 Thanks

[KatrinaK]

Hi, I’m so sorry. I will say a prayer for you from The “Dallas Texas” area. I’m 37 as well but will be climbing up the ladder in Dec. Wishing you the best. Lady Texan -

[CarmenC554]

Hi @Birding_babe, I’m sorry you are going through this. I have some bad nightmares as well lately. I always seem to wake up around 3am or 3:33 am. It takes me a while to go back to sleep. So I end up on my social media. I’m afraid to have my back towards the door or the very dark side of the room. Sometimes my hubby wakes me up because he says I make struggling noises. Not really sure what triggers it. I did noticed that I ate kind of late the last time I had a nightmare. But not always this is the case. Sending prayers your way from S. California 🙏🏼

[Birding_babe]

Eating late is very common for me. I will look into that to see if it’s a reported thing.

[wendye005]

Hi there .
I am sorry to hear this,  do you drink tea at night ?
I use to get terrible nightmares if I drank camomile tea in the evening it is suppose to calm your mind and help relax you but it has just the opposite effect on me . 
Perhaps talking with a therapist could help . Also , some meds can trigger strange dreams . 
good luck and let us know if you find a solution . 

Good luck finding a solution 

[Birding_babe]

I don’t frequently drink camomile tea. I have a morning cup of coffee and no caffeine after that. I do occasionally drink rooibos tea which is herbal, but I wouldn’t say it coincides with the nightmares. That’s strange that camomile has that effect on you, but glad you noticed the link. I have thought about taking a tart cherry juice which is supposed to help with sleep, but it’s not falling asleep that’s the problem. Thanks for the tips.

[BubblyMom]

I'm so sorry to hear this! My heart aches at the the thought. I'm sure you've heard this suggested before, but have you tried meditation or breathwork before bed? I'm sure it's hard because it sounds like it's unpredictable. 

[Birding_babe]

I’ve never been consistent with meditation but it probably would help to focus on peaceful things before bed instead of rehashing the mental to-do list.

[AliciaE26]

@Birding_babe Just curious…have you lost someone (before the nightmares started)? I have had a similar situation.

[Birding_babe]

Not anyone in my immediate family, but it’s a top worry of mine. 🙁 I’m sorry for your loss and the related dream troubles. I hope you can find a good outlet for the emotions.

[RobinM681]

I am so sorry you are going through this. I had a similar experience that lasted for years. I reached out to a Dr. in desperation. She said Melatonin can have the same effect same effect experienced by another member by drinking chamomile tea. I had no idea. I have had to make some major life changes (job change) and go to weekly therapy (and stop taking Melatonin!) You are not alone. There is help and hope!

[Birding_babe]

Hi, and thanks for the input. I was just watching comedian Taylor Thompson last night and she said she suffered from night terrors. Her sleeping Rx only made her sleep through the nightmares instead of waking up during the worst parts. I think I’d rather wake up and ‘escape’ the situations. So perhaps an Rx wouldn’t solve it, and natural products like melatonin and chamomile might actually worsen it. Happy to report that I haven’t had one in a few weeks though! 🙂

[Vanessa]

@Birding_babe So glad you haven't had a nightmare in a while! That is so scary, 100% with you I'd rather wake up than sleep through them. Melatonin feels like chaotic sleep haha, so its not my favorite go-to.

Also want to tag our Sleep Guide @Jamilia_B to see if she has any words of advice! Hoping for more peaceful nights of sleep 🙏

[Karenina511]

I would definitely keep track of what you’re eating. Keep a journal or use an app to track what you eat and when, caffeine maybe, sugar… and then find your triggers. 

[TeresaQ3]

I’m sorry that you are have horrible dreams.  You are on the track with what you are doing, what I might suggest is don’t drink or eat anything sugary a couple hours before bed. 

[Schmoo]

You have my sympathies. I have nightmares periodically too. I find it helps not to eat and drink anything except water for two or three hours before bed. Also to keep my bedroom fairly cool. A regular sleep routine helps, too, with time for winding down, journaling etc. I also endeavour to see what the dreams symbolise; I find the perspective of seeing everyone/everything in the dream as an aspect of oneself helpful, too. Good luck!