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March 2015 Moms
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Tips for nightmares???

annabrown13annabrown13 member
in March 2015 Moms
lately I have been having horrific nightmares. They are so real and I wake up crying/shaking/ terrified out of my mind pretty much and they are happening multiple times a night I wake up from one finally get back to sleep only to fall back into the same dream or something worse. I know it probably has to do with hormones/ stress but does anyone have any tips for maybe preventing them??? Teas you've found that helped or bed time routines you found that helped? I have a doctor appointment on Wednesday and will be asking her for some tips also but I've found sometimes tips from other mommies work best! Thanks in advanced!!
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Re: Tips for nightmares???

  • DragonflyDreamingDragonflyDreaming member
    That sounds pretty aweful. I find that watching Disney cartoons or reading or watching something happy before bed sometimes helps me lose some of my stress and sleep better. Maybe you could try that?

    No real advice/sorry.
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  • cesquercesquer member
    I like @DragonflyDreaming‌ 's idea. Sorry you are going through this. I'd try anything to reduce stress before bed. A nice bath. Listening to relaxing music or meditation CD. Some essential oils might help like ylang ylang?
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  • annabrown13annabrown13 member
    Thank you girls I'll try the tv/movie idea that sounds like it would possibly help as for oils should I google/ ask doctor what is safe? I know some oils are unsafe due to different things or do you know of any? I was thinking maybe the baby bath time soap/ lotion but I'm unsure is lavender is one of the safe smells/ oils
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  • ngolimentongolimento member
    For shaking them off, I never go directly back to sleep. I have a book next to the bed and I'll read until my mind is no longer on the nightmare, then go back to sleep. Even if it takes an hour, it's better than waking up terrified again and again for the rest of the night.
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  • LorabeanLorabean member
    I've been having some Nightmares as well-- sorry you're dealing with this since it's hard enough to sleep at this point anyway! This may sound strange, but when I wake up from a terrible dream I don't open my eyes and just go back in the dream and make it end well. For some reason this really helps me. Also I agree with PP that said to watch or read something pleasant before bed. Good luck and sweet dreams!
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  • sweaver93sweaver93 member
    Yikes, I've had a few nightmares but seem to be able to shake them off pretty fast. Try drinking some peppermint or camomile(spelling?) tea before bed. I also find a nice relaxing bath helps. If you are stressed you could also take a minute or two before bed and just write down everything on your mind and surprisingly it works for me and I don't have many nightmares. My nightmares seem to happen when I eat to close to bedtime as well, so there's something else to think about. Wish I could help more!
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  • wishiwaspreggowishiwaspreggo member

    Yikes, that's a bummer :( I get nightmares once in a while, too.  The best way for me to prevent them is to read something light and easy before bed.  I like @sweater93's idea of writing down what's bothering you before bed.  I do that in times of high stress/anxiety and it usually helps clear it out of my brain before I go to sleep.

    It helps to distract yourself right after a nightmare.  Sometimes mine are so realistic they haunt me for days which really sucks.  Best thing to do in that situation is leave the bedroom, grab a pet, and watch a TV show for a half hour or so. 

    Sorry you're going through this.  I hope some of our recommendations help you out!

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  • ShebamommyShebamommy member
    Are you taking your prenatals at night or in the morning?  If at night, swtich to morning or lunchtime -- I've had meds give me weird dreams before when taken before bed.  


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  • WhitfryWhitfry member
    I would look at what you're eating, drinking, or taking before bed. Cinnamon, for example, can cause nightmares. You also may be preoccupied with a lot of fears or anxieties you're not talking about during the day. So maybe start journaling or just do emotional check ins with DH or a good friend.

    Depending on what your nightmares are about, you may try monitoring what you watch or read throughout the day. You might also start reality-testing. Stop several times during the day and ask yourself if you are asleep or awake. Once your mind gets used to asking this question it will begin to ask it during dreams, and you'll be able to either self-wake or recognize you are dreaming and exert control. This is a technique I started doing as a child, because I would get sleep paralysis and night terrors. It helped me immensely.
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  • amario2amario2 member
    I don't know if you are religious, but I tend to pray the rosary before I go to bed if I am worried about having nightmares. It usually works for me, because all I focus on are the words to the prayers and normally I fall asleep around the second or third decade.
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  • annabrown13annabrown13 member
    You girls are awesome and have awesome tips I will definitely try some of these and see what helps
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  • Bluebell0315Bluebell0315 member
    I watch Family Guy before bed, and it usually helps me fall asleep. Then I dream of taking over the world with Stewie. Don't judge me! I haven't had many bad dreams since starting my Family Guy nightly routine, so maybe there's something to it.
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