I can't get to sleep without the TV on, please help?

Question

I can never get to sleep without the TV on. This is because my mind is always filled with bad images as I'm trying to sleep. I saw something on TV where this girl was trying to escape from this man's house, and the man grabbed her and pulled her inside as she was screaming wildly. It scared me to death. Also, I'm afraid that someone is going to break into my house, kidnap me, take me to a completely secluded place where no one would find me and sexually abuse me for the rest of my life. I think about this every single night. I've tried numerous times to get to sleep without the TV, and the bad images come into my head every time. The TV fills my mind with different images because of the sound and blocks the other images out. Is there something wrong with me? Do I need counseling? Any suggestions on how to break this habit?

Answer 1

No, this is very normal, you don't need counseling. You tend to dream those things that are in your subconscious, things that you haven't dealt with when you're awake. So, and this worked for me, think about those things you know you have nightmares about during the day, reason with it, even make it funny and think about how you would make it less scary if you were dreaming it, then take a few quick glances at a picture of someone you find attractive, so that's stored in your subconscious, and you'll have some pleasant dreams. Also, you might try leaving a relaxing or favorite CD playing instead of t.v., because you can't control what comes on the t.v. after you're alseep.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Don't think it'd hurt to see a psychologist or psychiatrist. If it helps, it will have given you some peace of mind. If it doesn't, you can always stop going.

Someone once recommended keeping a journal of happy thoughts and pictures. You'd add something to it every night before going to sleep, anything that made you happy during the day, no matter how big or small. At the end of the day, you'd read the journal from beginning to end, replacing all your negative thoughts with happy memories. It also makes a nice keepsake to pull out on a rainy day.

Answer 4

I have fan running all night (in the winter I aim it at the wall). The hum of the fan relaxes me like hearing the tires of the bus on a long trip. I would stay away from the TV as it can provide relaxing images or the same images that creep you out. I dated a girl once who had a security teddy bear. As long as it was in her bed, she knew she would be okay. Sounds childish, but she was in her late 20's and took the bear on vacation or when she stayed at my place. Finally, your imagination is getting to you, so have fun with it. Instead of imagining something gruesome, imagine something exciting or calming. Sounds like there is a lot going on upstairs and you should take advantage of those creative energies. Maybe even start writing.

Answer 5

Make sure your windows and doors are secure. Tell yourself no one can get in & the chances of your fears ever being realized are a zillion to one. If the TV helps you get to sleep, I say it's OK. There are TVs with timers -- they shut off in up-to-an-hour (your set the timer). After doing that (with the timer), you can convince yourself that you slept most of the night without the TV on and nothing happened. That should quiet your nerves some.

I don't think you need counseling... Do what makes you feels comfortable and safe.

:) Peace.

Answer 6

Maybe this is happening because you watch too much tv... i mean its kind of ironic but why would you be thinking of such bad things in the first place. The only place i could think of where you would get info like this is the tv. Maybe try something else to sleep to like music. and dont watch so much tv, even during the day time.

Answer 7

OMG i thought i was the only one. i've been this way since middle school. i havn't gone to counseling about it, but its been a thought in my mind to go. I dont know i get the same problems i get seriously bad images in my head and thats the only thing that ccan take my mind off of it. Nothing else. It feels better not to be alone. Good luck, i dont think its a psychological problem, well i hope not. I think of it more as a comfort thing.

Answer 8

I don't think there's anything wrong with sleeping with the TV on, that's not the problem. The problem is what you watch on TV. I think you just need to stop watching TV. TV is the reason that you have all these crazy images.

oh, maybe read a book, reading before bed gets you tired.

No! scratch that! better yet, meditate. You need to clear your mind before bed. Your brain is running on high and TV, reading, or any activity before bed doesn't allow your mind time to settle down.

Answer 9

try taking the TV out of your room for a week and see how you go or watch programs that have less distressing images on it. when watching distressing images our Brain tends to hold on to them. try watching a DVD before bed or read. not to upset you but if someone was going to break into your house they would do it if the TV is on or not. but i sure you are safe nobody is coming to get you good luck sleeping

Answer 10

Youre going to be allright. When you lay down, tell yourself "find your center. And you will. Slow your breathing. Imagine you are walking in the mountains toward a monastary. Hear in your mind "ohm, ohm, ohm, ohm" a monotonous drone. Imagine yourself walking down great stone steps until you walk through the front door and see the monks kneeling and singing the "ohm, ohm, ohm" and feel the calm that surrounds you as you participate from the sidelines. Think only this and I promise you will sleep. You might also want to go buy a book that tells you how to balance your chackras.(sp>)