2007-10-14 09:44:09 · 18 answers · asked by Jason D. 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I had nightmares at one time, and now i don't. This is how i did it.
The process:
When you go to sleep each night, pick a nightmare that you have had. Now, cycle through in your head (the biggest one if its not too uncomfortable for you). Feel like you are actually there, but add one extra element. You know, in the nightmare, that it is a nightmare, and everything around you is ok and cannot hurt you actually. In fact, have fun and start to imagine ridiculous things that you think are actually hilarious or enjoyable to you. Do this a few times with feeling, it only takes at the most 5 minutes. (If you go more because you're actually liking it :) its best to keep it below 20min, to allow yourself to get to sleep) :P Then just let yourself drift off comforted. Just trust, you will be amazed at your handiwork. Your nightmares will lessen huge after a few times.
What is actually happening:
You are training yourself to become aware of, and feel ok, about your fears within the subconscious state of dreaming. Our subconscious mind wants to tell us things from time to time. Our nightmares are the things we haven't been listening to....Like a friend who raises his voice, because you can't hear him. As soon as you hear him, he lowers his volume back down, right?
Hope you give it a go, within a few times you will be very happy David!
By the way, you might actually find yourself in a nightmare being calmed down...If it happens, not to worry, you will likely experience consciousness in dreams and have the greatest time of your life in it...I am a lucid dreamer at times, and its wonderful!
2007-10-14 10:06:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can probably do it yourself, but you will likely need the help of a therapist or perhaps a certified hypnotist (sometimes the therapist is also a hypnotist.
If your religious or spiritual beliefs keep you from seeking out care from these people, ask your spiritual guide what they recommend.
Meditation, Noetic Prayer, Prayer and Guided Visualization are all methods used by different religions.
You MIGHT have a chemical imbalance causing this, or it might be a side-effect of some other medication you might be taking (legal or illegal).
So, your best first step is to see your doctor and to be very honest in giving your history so that she will know how best to help or refer you.
Also, if you have ever had a very traumatic episode in your life (including combat service, loosing a child to a car accident...the list goes on) then you nightmares might be a sign of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Only a medical professional can diagnose this, so again, see your doctor.
2007-10-14 09:47:05 · answer #2 · answered by gordios_thomas_icxc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your mind instigated and created those nightmares! So, just wake yourself up from them. Dreams happen during Rem sleep, when you're partially awake anyway. Direct yourself to open your eyes, move, or actually get up and walk around. When you return to sleep, it's extremely unlikely you'll experience that same bad dream. And, if you do, awaken yourself once again, and in the same way. It may take some practise at first, but remember you're in charge of the directions your dreams take . I do it all the time.
2007-10-14 13:22:20 · answer #3 · answered by Pinyon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wen i was a senior in high school i did my research paper on nightmares... most nightmares are caused by stress. so before going to bed try an relax. an also dont eat 3 hours before bedtime that will cause them to.
2007-10-14 09:49:34 · answer #4 · answered by memphischick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cant exactly stop them but sometimes nightmares can be caused by what you eat befor bed. Try eating less sugar before sleeping and try some nice teas or some sleeping syrums...i cant remeber any off the top of my head im afraid
2007-10-14 09:47:23 · answer #5 · answered by A cat living in hempstead 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have nightmares alot. I have found that it helps to have happy music or a happy TV show playing while I fall asleep--that way, that gets embedded into my head, and not the negativity of the day. It isn't foolproof, but it helps.
2007-10-14 09:47:26 · answer #6 · answered by Esma 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their really isn't a way to stop nightmares.
2007-10-14 09:46:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Eat cheese before bed. LOADS of cheese. Your nightmares will be so horrendous you won't want to sleep again. Problem solved
2007-10-14 09:57:57 · answer #8 · answered by riffwell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop doing mean things when you are awake and those things won't turn into nightmare's when you sleep.
2007-10-14 09:47:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't. Nightmares are simply the brain remembering memories you experience throughout the day.
2007-10-14 09:46:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋