Insomnia and Nightmares

[Myriella]

I'm not sure if this is the correct place for this, so mods, please move it if need be.

For the last couple months, I've had ridiculously bad insomnia. I was up until four last night, for example, and that is pretty standard for me.

When I do manage to fall asleep, I have vivid and terrifying nightmares, usually involving the death, illness, or injury of myself or a loved one. Last night, for example, I dreamed we were in a plane crash. My whole family died except myself and my husband. While I was just in a lot of pain, my husband was in a coma and I had to make the doctors pull the plug.

Pretty messed up, right? Usually, I am fairly good at reading and understanding my dreams. Here's the thing though -- I'm happily married, my family relationships are awesome, and I have a generally positive waking outlook on life. These nightmares don't make any sense to me.

So what gives? I imagine my insomnia comes from my subconscious fear of the nightmares, but where are they coming from, and what can I do about it? Has anyone dealt with anything like this before? I'm exhausted, and I feel like I'm going crazy!!

[SnowCat]

Nightmares can be a byproduct of insomnia. You don't get into a deep restful sleep because of the nightmares, which leaves you sleep deprived, and then you're afraid to sleep because of the nightmares, which means it becomes a self perpetuating cycle. Look for clues in your nightmares, that will help you realize that you're dreaming. I heard paper crackling outside my nightmare last night, which wouldn't be true because I sleep with earplugs. That told me that I was dreaming. I had to finish the nightmare, which was about a crazy woman trying to kill my family, but I knew it was a dream.

Snow

[LoneWhiteWolf]

Of you are using devices such as the tv or ipad ect before bed then id suggest stopping that. Artificiall light fools are minds into thinking its still daytime.
Id also recommend meditation, relaxing lavender baths, and trying to reset youre body clock by waking up super early for a few mornings and not sleeping for the rest of the day untill the desired time (8pm or 9pm maybe)
You need to stop stimulating youre mind wih things like the internet, tv, even the radio or reading books. Youre mind needs to get bored to help you relax, hence why i suggested meditation. Concentrate on the sound of youre breathing while trying to sleep instead of youre thoughts.
Trust me my body clock is messed up right now too , mainly down to the fact i wait for the other half to get on skype after work so i know hes made it home safe. He's a paramedic so i worry all the time about him!

[Divina]

Hey there myriella. I have a few spells if your interested. One I would recommend is to induce therapeutic sleep. Also, arrange your bed to promote sound sleep-ensure that your head points toward the restful north.
Decorate you bedroom in colors n textures that promote repose.. ((blues,deep greens,dark beige, and black support sleep. While red, orange, yellow and white stimulate insomnia))
As for night terrors my fav book is very clear to: mollify Morpheus, the roman God of dreams. Before retiring, cut out pictures from magazines that convey a "happy dream" state and offer them to him (Morpheus ) in his honor. When you have a good dream, throw the pieces away. If necessary, you may add to the pile each evening until your nightmares cease.
Also you could make a dreamcatcher. Me being native american this jumped out at me first but its what you feel comfortable with.
Or maybe put some bay leaves on your nightstand. Inhaling the leaves vapors induces a trance like sleep state.. Any questions you have ill be happy to help if I can. Hope I helped