had a bad nightmare and can't go back to sleep!!?

Question

I've tried to go back to sleep and the nightmare keeps coming back. Its a real scary dream. One I've never had before. So scary it made me sick to my stomach. Please help, I have sleeping problems as it is. I don't want to be up all night.
Any suggestions?

Answer 1

After I got out of the Army I started suffering from post traumatic stress disorder which would bring about nightmares. The only way I found I was able to go back to sleep was to watch some cartoons or something happy for twenty minutes until the nightmare was out of my head. Another thing I do is I get a piece of paper and write out, "I am okay, this is just a dream, I am not really going to die or whatever I was dreaming about". If that doesn't help then I soak in my bath, if you dont have a bath you can take a hot shower. A cup of tea works and guided meditation cds work as well and you can get those at Walmart.

Answer 2

Try writing down any problems you're having in life that are causing you alot of stress. Watch or read something fun and positive. Drink soothing night time tea or decaf tea. Try taking a sleeping aid. Write the dream down and analyze it. What could it mean? When you've found some possibile meanings the dream won't look as scary. Remember what you saw before you went to bed. Sometimes that can affect your dreams. Don't eat anything heavy before going to sleep. Right now, you could drink some warm milk.

Answer 3

Try this! First of all, try to remember the last thing in your nightmare. Then, imagine yourself with some power to change the situation, be it gun, guard dog, super powers, your mom, whatever.... and associate it with your nightmare.

Then, lay still, comfortably, and imagine your toes tingling. Move up to your feet, all the way to your heels, and imagine the tingling creeping upwards... Do that all the way to your head, and if you're not asleep the first time you do, you'll at least be so relaxed, with your command in your head anyway, that it will just be a matter of time! The more that you practice this self-hypnotization, the easier it will get, until all you have to do is imagine yourself beginning the ritual, and you can fall asleep immediately!

GOOD LUCK, AND SWEET DREAMS!!!

Answer 4

there is a thank you to eliminate ordinary nightmares. I used it myself and it worked. right here is what you do. previously going to sleep, think of you're on the beginning up of the undesirable dream. Play it by using slightly, then think of you remedy the project. on your case, perhaps you run down an aisle with a super type of heavy, incredibly tipped merchandise (like situations of beer or soda pop). They chase you down this aisle. You duck around the nook into the subsequent aisle, and push lots of of those situations down on ideal of them. interest over. Or, you run into the aisle the place they sell weapons, and grab one. They run off. Or, you call the law enforcement officers on your cellular telephone, and it in order that happens that a squad automobile is powerful outdoors the shop. Busted. those are purely some strategies, you have your guy or woman. the element is, you play the answer on your head a pair of situations previously going to sleep. This worked for me, and my nightmare (regarding tests) under no circumstances befell back. friendly desires!

Answer 5

I'm also having nightmares.maybe once or twice a week. and most likely; it will be a tornado. it was really scary that when i woke up. my hearts pounding fast. but I'm used to it now. although it is still scary and affects me till morning. my advice to you is get used to it. we can't control our dreams and nightmares. always pray before you sleep. by the way a doctor told me eating plenty of bananas helps induce sleep.

Answer 6

Here's what i did:
a) (ignore this if you wake up at a sound, but it worked for me) sleep with calm music on quietly, as loud as a whisper is good for me (classical, your favorite song on repeat est.)
b) drink milk before you go to sleep (warm or not, doesn't matter)
c) eat some turkey before bed
The last two have to do with a chemical in them and it makes you sleepy, you can buy turkey slices or regular turkey at most stores
Hope that helped!
-Lilly

Answer 7

Nightmares are products of our unruly imagination and everything that we have incorporated through our senses. You need to calm yourself by closing your eyes and breathing in and out slowly but deeply.

Ask yourself questions, is there something bothering you. Do your best to answer these questions in the fullest way possible.

Recognize that your dreams can be controlled. So.. before you start dreaming, suggest something to yourself to dream. Plant the tiny seed and let your imagination fertilize it, letting it grow.

Empower yourself.

Answer 8

hi deb,
don't know if you are a christian or not, and I hope that you are, so I don't offend you.
you know, Jesus tells us he will never leave us, Jesus says " quote" these things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. in the world,you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

"he himself is our peace" Eph2:14
and here are some others that might comfort you tonite...
Phil 4:7

and of course, read the 27th psalm.
think that you will find great comfort there.
sweet dreams my friend, hope this helps, and God Bless :)

Answer 9

Try not to worry about losing sleep, first of all. Worrying will just make you anxious, and anxiety will keep you awake. Tell yourself it is enough just to be able to stretch out and relax in bed. Then, open your eyes really wide and tell yourself you absolutely are not allowed to close your eyes. Will your eyes to stay open.

After you awaken in the morning, let me know how this worked for you. :)

Answer 10

When I ever had a nightmare that kept coming back I found if I talked to someone about it, it would go away.