nightmares
Nightmares are usually triggered by uncomfortable feelings in the body, especially muscle tensions that arise from stress. Dreams will tend to be less disturbing when the mind and body are at ease before sleep.
They often center around unresolved trauma and may re-emerge on anniversaries or reminders of trauma. Extreme trauma may lead to recurrent nightmares sometimes years after the event. Fighting back or running away may show the beginnings of dealing with the after effects of the trauma.
Their intensity can usually be gradually reduced by following the suggestions on the sleep strategies page particularly relaxing before going to bed and not overeating or drinking alcohol. If the body is relaxed and comfortable there are going to be less tensions in the body for the sleeping mind to draw on to construct nightmares. Dreams will tend to be less disturbing when the mind and body are at ease before sleep.
Going with the feelings of extreme fear or distress and exploring their origins instead of fighting against them helps begin to put them into perspective so they become gradually less overwhelming.
Recurrent nightmares can be modified by intentional dreaming and brought to a more comfortable resolution by deciding to end them differently before going to sleep.
night terrors
Night terrors occur during the deepest levels of non-REM sleep. Usually there are no sounds, images events or scenarios being dreamt, but just the emotions of fear, tension and apprehension. Sometimes there is a vague object of fear. Disorientation for one or two minutes after waking can include a short period of amnesia. There is usually no recollection later except for a sense of panic.
Children two to six and adults with PTSD are most prone. About fifteen percent of children experience night terrors.
Emotional stress during the previous day or two or physical disturbance like fever trigger most episodes. Night terrors may indicate a feeling of abandonment or lack of safety that taps into childhood experience. Who is looking after me?
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Night Terrors |
copyright (C) John Brasted 2008
updated 06/11/11
