scared of sleep?

Question

I think I am scared to go to sleep, I just realized it recently and haven't really talked to anyone, does any one know what type of help is available.
I have been afraid of the dark since childhood, I don't remember anything happening I've just always been not only scared but I panic if I am in the dark.
I don't keep up with news anymore because of all the things that happen to people when they are sleeping. My dad died in his sleep so I'm sure thats a contributing factor.
I take Ambien and most of the time it doesn't work, if I'm not careful I am up for days at a time. When I close my eyes all these images start happening, I've tried counting to divert my attention but it doesnt' work. I don't think I have just laid down and went to sleep in years, I think I eventually just pass out from exhaustion, I have had trouble keeping a job and just functioning. I know there is therapy available but I would rather hear from people with similar experiences
Thank you

thanks for most of the answers so far,yes
I always have a night light and set the timer for the tv.
I don't drink or take anything except Ambien

Answer 1

I read your problems and wanted to refer you to this article to see if it could assist you in your sleep problems.

I hope it helps you and you seek help from a physician that understands your problems.

A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet
By Pamela Swales, Ph.D.

Many people suffer from problems with their sleep. This can be especially true for those who have witnessed or experienced one or more traumatic events such as rape, military combat, natural disasters, beatings, or neighborhood violence. Some individuals exposed to traumatic physical or psychological events develop a condition known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is well known that a problem with sleep is one of many problems for those with PTSD. Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, and having distressing dreams or nightmares, are common to those with PTSD. In fact, sleep disturbance can be a normal response to past trauma or anticipated threat.
What are the major reasons why people with PTSD have problems with sleep?

Severe psychological or physical trauma can cause changes in a person’s basic biological functioning. As a result of being traumatized, a person with PTSD may be constantly hyper-vigilant, or "on the lookout," to protect him- or herself from danger. It is difficult to have restful sleep when you feel the need to be always alert.
What are some sleep problems commonly associated with PTSD?
Difficulty falling asleep

* Basic Biological Changes: Actual biological changes may occur as a result of trauma, making it difficult to fall asleep. In addition, a continued state of hyper-arousal or watchfulness is usually present. It is very hard for people to fall asleep if they think and feel that they need to stay awake and alert to protect themselves (and possibly others) from danger.
* Medical Problems: There are medical conditions commonly associated with PTSD. They can make going to sleep difficult. Such problems include: chronic pain, stomach and intestinal problems, and pelvic-area problems (in women).
* Your Thoughts: A person’s thoughts can also contribute to problems with sleep. For example, thinking about the traumatic event, thinking about general worries and problems, or just thinking, "Here we go again, another night, another terrible night’s sleep," may make it difficult to fall asleep.
* Use of Drugs or Alcohol: These substances are often associated with difficulty going to sleep.

Difficulty staying asleep

* Distressing Dreams or Nightmares: Nightmares are typical for people with PTSD. Usually, the nightmares tend to be about the traumatic event or some aspect of it. For example, in Vietnam veterans, nightmares are usually about traumatic things that happened in combat. In dreams, the person with PTSD may also attempt to express the dominant emotions of the traumatic event; these are usually fear and terror. For example, it is not uncommon to dream about being overwhelmed by a tidal wave or swept up by a whirlwind.
* Night Terrors: These are events such as screaming or shaking while asleep. The person may appear awake to an observer, but he or she is not responsive.
* Thrashing Movements: Because of overall hyper-arousal, active movements of the arms or legs during bad dreams or nightmares may cause awakening. For example, if one were having a dream about fleeing an aggressor, one might wake up because of the physical movements of trying to run away.
* Anxiety (Panic) Attacks: Attacks of anxiety or outright panic may interrupt sleep. Symptoms of such attacks may include:

o Feeling your heart beating very fast

o Feeling that your heart is "skipping a beat"

o Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

o Having difficulty breathing (e.g., tight chest, pressure on chest)

o Sweating

o Feeling really hot ("hot flashes")

o Feeling really cold (cold sweat)

o Feeling fearful

o Feeling disoriented or confused

o Fearing that you may die (as a result of these symptoms)

o Thinking and feeling that you may be "going crazy"

o Thinking and feeling that you may "lose control"

* Hearing the Slightest Sound and Waking Up to Check for Safety: Many people with PTSD, especially combat veterans, wake up frequently during the night. This can be for various reasons. However, once awake, a "perimeter check," or a check of the area, is often made. For example, a Vet may get up, check the sleeping area, check the locks on windows and doors, and even go outside and walk around to check for danger. Then the Vet may stay awake and vigilant and "stand guard;" he (or she) may not return to sleep that night.

What can you do if you have problems sleeping due to PTSD?
Talk to your doctor

Let your doctor know that you have trouble sleeping. Tell your doctor exactly what the problems are; he or she can help you best if you share this information about yourself.

Let your doctor know that you have (or think you have) PTSD. It is not your fault that you have these symptoms. Tell your doctor exactly what they are.

Let your doctor know about any physical problems that you think are contributing to your sleep problems. For example, chronic pain associated with traumatic injuries can make it difficult to sleep.

Let your doctor know about any other emotional problems you have–these may also be contributing to your sleep problems. For example, depression or panic attacks can make it hard to fall asleep or to stay asleep.

There are a number of medications that are helpful for sleep problems in PTSD. Depending on your sleep symptoms and other factors, your doctor may prescribe some medication for you.

Your doctor may recommend that you work with a therapist skilled in dealing with emotional and behavioral problems. Psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists fall into this category. They can help you take a closer look at, and possibly change, the variety of factors that may be preventing you from sleeping well. They can help you with PTSD and other problems.
Do not use alcohol or other drugs

These substances disturb a variety of bodily processes. They impair a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. For example, alcohol may help a person fall asleep, but it interferes with one’s ability to stay asleep.

If you are dependent on drugs or alcohol, let your doctor know, and seek assistance for this problem.

Other Strategies

* Limit substances that contain caffeine (e.g., soda, coffee, some over-the-counter medicines).
* Try to set a regular sleep/wake schedule:

A consistent sleep schedule helps to regulate and set the body’s "internal clock," which tells us when we are tired and when it is time to sleep, among other things.

* Make your sleeping area as free from distractions as possible:

Aim for quiet surroundings; keep the room darkened; keep the television out of the bedroom.

* Consider a light nighttime snack:

A light snack after dinner may prevent hunger from waking you up in the middle of the night.

* Avoid over-arousal for at least 2-3 hours prior to going to sleep:

Try not to get your body and mind in "arousal mode." Things that may tend to do this are: heavy meals, strenuous exercise, heated arguments, paying bills, and action-packed movies.

* Don’t worry that you can’t sleep:

Remember, there may be a number of reasons for your sleep problems. The first step is to talk to your doctor.


Related Fact Sheets

Discussing PTSD with your doctor

A useful checklist to help discuss traumatic stress symptoms with primary care physicians

http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/specific/fs_physical_health.html

An overview of recent research confirming that trauma and PTSD affect physical health
http://www.ncptsd.org/facts/specific/fs_doctor.html

What is PTSD?
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/general/fs_what_is_ptsd.html
Answers basic questions about the signs and symptoms of PTSD, who gets it, how common it is, and what treatments are available

http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/specific/fs_sleep.html

Answer 2

Well Im not entirely sure of your sleeping situation but you should try going to sleep while watching t.v put the sleep timer on and there you go. From what you've described it sounds like your having mild night terrors which tend to go away over time. If you let the fear consume you the dreams your having will never dissapate. I suggest trying to get to sleep at around 8-9 o clock at night that way theres still some light outside. You haven't described just what it is your scared of other than your dreams so Maybe sleep with a night light so when you wake up scared from a bad dream your not so dis-orientated. Good luck and i hope you get through your fear of sleeping.

Answer 3

Try going to sleep with the tv on or lights on and set a timer for them to go off after about two or three hours. Also... for imagery try one of those lamps that project stars on your ceiling... it's something interesting to look at while trying to sleep. Look at this before you get tired and don't anticipate sleeping... just let it come naturally. You should certainly seek professional help. With the background, I can easily understand your fears... but just know there is nothing to fear. There is help available for this... for sure. Best wishes.

Answer 4

This works for me, but first of all stop all of the drugs that are not associated with sleep.
Go to the drugstore and purchace over the counter Melatonin [read directions] and when you are ready to go to bed.....
1. Exercise for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes until you are tired.
2. Take a hot shower [HOT]
3. .Take your melatonin with warm milk
4. night.... night

Answer 5

I have problems with the dark but i have a very good reason. Someone walked into my apt. and i found the guy standing my hallway and trying to enter my bedroom but i had a fan in the way and the guy hit it and woke me up! To this day i sleep with the lights on. The sad thing is i had no idea who this guy was and so it left me with the fear of not being able to see if someone is in my apt so the lights stay on!

Answer 6

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DIE IN YOUR SLEEP HAVE FAITH IN THE LORD AND TALK TO HIM AND DO THIS PRAYER SILENTLY AS THE DEVIL CAN HEAR YOUR FEARS AND USE THEM AGAINST YOU . THE DEVIL CAN NOT READ YOUR MIND HE CAN ONLY PUT CRAP IN IT. SO REBUKE THE DEVIL AND TALK TO GOD. in the mean time here's something useful for you .


This will sound really weird to you but i use to have that same problem not because of death in ones sleep but i am just a night owl and don't want to waste a moment of life so my sleep habbits are awful! but i found use for sleep I WIN LOTTERY with my dreams, if you dream dreams here are some numbers to play on lottery using your dreams i've found these useful in the PICK 3 AND PICK 4 NUMBERS! try these and when you win the lottery from your dreams trust me you'll enjoy sleep more than anything after being up nights in a row. use the number 1.2.3 etc for what i've listed if you don't understand then don't hesitate emailing me at [e-mail]

put these numbers to whatever you dream:

1. use this number 1 if you dream a child or if you dream you are pointing at something, or a mans body organ lol

2 use this number 2 if you dream of someone walking or see only someone's legs

3. use this number 3 if in your dream you are outside or your dream contains TREE'S OR OUTSIDE SCENERY FROM LOOKING OUT A WINDOW

4. use this number 4 if your dream has a woman in it

5. use this number 5 if your dream has a man in it ...for every man in your dream use a 5

6.use this number 6 if you have a nightmare or if your dream contains a scary or fearful thing in it

7. use this number 7 if your dream has WATER in it

8. use this number 8 if you dream a car wreck , a lion, or an old lady or fire

9. use this number 9 if you dream you see someone laying down, or a whole lot of anything like if in your dream you see alot of bee's or alot of people

0. use this number 0 if you dream of A HOLE of any kind, or a womans body part.or anything in a circular shape.

This is my method and i've won heaps of times from it for me and other people i'm so good at winning with this method that i've had to teach it to other people cause i got sick of people calling me just to ask me what numbers are going to hit the cash 3 or 4. Mainly i let others win cause i feel guilty for winning using this but i found out by keeping up with my dreams what numbers to put with my dreams.

for instance one time i dreamed that i was outside with my husband and i dreamed i looked up in the sky and saw a U.F.O and i elbowed him and said DON'T LOOK UP NO MATTER WHAT but in my dream he did and i said STUPID! I TOLD YOU NOT TO LOOK UP ahahahahha.
the number i put with that was 5034 and IT HIT FOR 5000.00
another time i dreamed that my 2 sisters were stealing my grandfathers body as he laid in a stretcher the cash 3 number hit and yep it was my numbers 494
i can't say which game to play but if you stick with this in time you will get a feel for how to use this method.

Answer 7

Insomnia – Beat it with Sleep
http://www.askaquery.com/question/Insomnia-%96-Beat-it-with-Sleep.html

Insomnia - Treatment
http://www.askaquery.com/question/Insomnia--%28dash%29--Treatment.html

10 Tips to Sleep Well
http://www.askaquery.com/question/10-Tips-to-Sleep-Well.html

Answer 8

Nope, just Chuck Norris.

Answer 9

You need a psychiatrist. Spend the money, it is worth it. This will effect your health as well.

Answer 10

sing a lola bye

Answer 11

take sleepin pill