 |
"Ladder Leading Up To The Sky" by Sira Anamwong found at: freedigitalphotos.net |
For the past 10 days or so I have been sleeping only about 3-4 hours a night. This is absolutely not normal for me. Yes, I may be a true night owl. I have honestly been that way my whole life. And yes, I am blessed with natural energy and don't require a whole bunch of sleep. But even for me, this is getting ridiculous.
Then suddenly, yesterday, while at a friends birthday party, I realized just what the heck is going on.
It is November. This is the time of year that, like so many others out there, I struggle a bit with family relations and memories of not so cheerful holiday experiences. So for the past 10 years I have been dealing with nightmares every November. Sometimes just a couple of them. Sometimes a relentless amount that leave me feeling very emotionally drained.
Apparently, this time I seem to have come up with my very own cure. I guess that somewhere in my subconscious I have decided that if I don't sleep then I can't have nightmares. Now, while I have to say that so far this November my 'cure' is working I can't say that the side effects are worth it!
Tell me, have you ever been plagued by nightmares? Were you able to get rid of them? Did you do anything, consciously or otherwise, to try to avoid them?
Nightmares must be spooky dreams. I've had odd dreams but not really spooky dreams. If I can't sleep, I do choreography in my head and it puts me to sleep immediately. As long as you feel energy in the daytime, you must be getting adequate sleep.
ReplyDeleteMy nightmares are usually of the personal, psychological mind games with a bit of terror thrown in for good measure type. I am very fortunate that I tend to be able to get by on only a little sleep, but I know I won't be able to do it for long without sleeping at least a little longer than I am now.
DeleteI went through years of insomnia when my migraines were at their worst. My sleep pattern was completely upset all of the time.
ReplyDeleteI have very strange dreams. Sometimes nightmares.
Since you know the source of this problem, I would consider a "talk" with myself before going to sleep. It sounds corny but maybe verbally reminding yourself that all of that junk is in the past. Tell yourself that you have let it go. There is no need to have no sleep or bad sleep due to things that are no longer true. See if it helps. I think that sometimes verbalizing things makes a difference.
Night before last I actually found that I was able to wake myself as soon as a nightmare got going. I nipped it in the bud and told myself that I was not going to allow that.
DeleteJust when I feel like I am pretty OK with having let go of the past... ah well, it's time to prove it, right?!
Just wanted to say, "Me Too!" I have terrible nightmares. Sometimes I just say Jesus over and over until my heart stops racing.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing quite like waking up screaming, shivering and crying. It's a wild ride, isn't it?
DeleteI do tend to think that those of us with lots of creativity are just bound to find that it doesn't stop while we are sleeping.
I have been on medications that cause bizarre dreams/nightmares but that was an easy fix. Change meds. I'm sorry you have to endure this.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that about meds. It's never fun, no matter what the cause.
DeleteI think I am finding a way out and not letting it get to me too much!
I am definitely a night owl. I find myself writing at 3:00 am often. However, it does not bother me at all. I figure I was blessed with a 200-year life span and I plan to sleep the second hundred.
ReplyDeleteNever bothered by being a nightowl. Just annoyed if it involves nightmares. Being awake and having fun is all good!
DeleteI'm a night owl by nature. I do though, have bouts of insomnia from time to time. The time change does not make it easier either. My body is still trying to get used to it again.
ReplyDeleteTime change always bugs me too! I certainly feel for anyone who goes through insomnia for any longer period of time.
Deleteeeeeeeeeek, we are in for the cold weather tonight :/
ReplyDeleteCold weather is not my deal at all. Warmth is what I crave!
Delete“I guess that somewhere in my subconscious I have decided that if I don't sleep then I can't have nightmares.”—This incident may exactly be the reason why you have very little sleep. Our subconscious have their own way to protect us from what we fear that’s why we often do bizarre things at any uncompromising situation. But in your case, it’s not healthy. Have you seeked help yet?
ReplyDeleteTellman @SelfHypnosisSequence.com