Oh man...another bad night.

[LuckyCharms]

This is the second night in a row that I've woken up with night terrors.

I've been limiting my time reading DU the past few days, and I've been keeping busy physically. I've been seeking out just enough information to have an idea what's going on in the world. I barely watch TV.

Horrible nightmares, waking up soaking wet in sweat, confused and shaking with adrenaline. If you've ever been in a fist fight...it's that feeling when you know a fight is imminent.

My wife doesn't know. We typically sleep in separate rooms, because my back issues force me to sleep in a recliner.

And I wouldn't tell her anyway because she is in tears most days due to world circumstances, so she comes to me for support and I'm not going to lay this on her.

And the thing is...I've been ecstatic all day because I got some good news. It just happens when I go to sleep.

I'm wondering if I've reached the point where I have to shut myself off completely from world events. I'm sure that's what is bothering me...more so than I thought.

That son of a bitch in the white house can't stroke out soon enough.

[mr715]

1. Taking antihistamines?

They can induce some pretty wild dreams.

[LuckyCharms]

4. No, I take a lot of pills for health reasons...but it's been the same medication for years.

No antihistamines or amphetamines...nothing like that.

[CountAllVotes]

2. Luckily I have and old TV w/a built in VCR

I rarely watch it.
Maybe folks like us should just stay away from these things if they are making us oh so sick!
I'm of the same ilk these days and making a few too many mistakes!
Hang-in there Lucky!

[Melon]

3. Are you taking any medications or supplements?

That’s is #1. If so….cut them if possible. Especially pain killers, antihistamines, and SRI’s.

[LuckyCharms]

5. No antidepressants, no brain drugs, no change in medications.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Oh, my dear LuckyCharms, I am so very sorry to hear about your night terrors.

How much I wish you didn't have them. And I also wish that I had concrete ideas on how to get rid of them.

But I don't.

All I can offer is my tender regard and caring, and hope that this helps you feel better.

[redwitch]

7. That's awful!

I am so sorry! All of this cruelty and chaos is just so hard to live with constantly. I hope you can find a remedy and yeah , maybe take a break from the news for now .

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

8. Don't give up

That asshole in the wh doesn't deserve to put you or any of us thru this. He won't beat us down. We're stronger than they are . Stay strong. Take a long break from this madness and focus on your family ... wife ... pets ... laughter. More than anything he wants us all to give up. I won't. I can't. And neither will you. Just walk away for awhile. In the end we'll all get thru this.

[Laurelin]

9. Take a break

Don't give up, but take care of yourself. Maybe check in to the lounge on DU so your friends here won't worry ( after all, we're in the same boat, and we don't need more worry). But you and your wife both sound like you need a break. Touch some grass, watch a funny show or movie, something fun that does not involve the psychopaths ruining our country.

Alternately, try to join a physical protest or action somewhere. Hang out with some like minded people who are DOING something. That's my daughter's coping mechanism. It works for me too but lately I've been too sick so I've resorted to meditation, prayer, yoga.... and I need breaks from the news sometimes.

Seriously, we can't vote if the stress kills us.

[Bread and Circuses]

10. Some suggestions

Hi Lucky Charms,

I understand. I use a variety of tools to help me - all through my life. .
^^^ Try the lovingkindness meditation or prayer. You can use your own words, it’s the opening of one’s heart that creates the space . I send blessings not only to friends and families but to those who have harmed me or others. In the political sphere, Yes . The angry , narcissistic, jealous, and cruel people do need to be surrounded by love and light. Perhaps they will reach out and let the Beauty inside.

May You Walk In Beauty!


Some Ideaa:
Chanting, Mantras
Affirmations,
Listening to Solfeggio frequencies,
Aromatherapy oils and sprays
Sleep mask for calm ( lavender )

Please DM if you wish me to send you more resources or would like to discuss more. Also, anyone else.

——-
And reciting the METTA Sutta ( Loving-Kindness chant)


Lovingkindness Meditation Script

Lovingkindness Script
Silently whisper each phrase to each category of people below. Get seated in a comfy position in a quiet space.
Along with a gentle focus on the phrases, try to sense the feelings of lovingkindness in your body & heart.

1. To Yourself
May I be kind to myself.
May I be filled with unconditional love.
May I accept myself just as I am.
May I be at peace and at ease.
2. To A Loved One
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
3. To Someone Neutral
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
4. To Someone Difficult
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
5. To All Beings Everywhere
May all beings everywhere be kind to themselves.
May all beings everywhere be filled with unconditional love.
May all beings everywhere accept themselves just as they are.
May all beings everywhere be at peace and at ease.

[cer7711]

11. Have you heard of lucid dreaming?

Google it.

You can train yourself to take control of your dreams and instantly end a nightmarish scenario.
When you partially awaken but are not yet fully conscious you can visualize any combination of shield/repellant/scene change necessary to "slay monsters" and/or reset a terrifying scene into a soothing, pastoral one.

There are simple techniques you can practice, such as pre-visualizing what you will do if confronted by a terrifying scenario in REM as you drift off to sleep. Simpler is better. Again, tons of info online if you wish to Google it.

I wish you well! And restful, restorative sleep going forward.

PS. And yes, this technique works. I can personally vouch for it.

PPS. As for the horrors of the real world, well.... those we must work together to end.

[ultralite001]

17. 100%...

Night terrors can be beaten… harnessed… channeled…

It may take a dream or two to prepare for the battle, but it is so worth it…

Tell yourself to remember the dream upon waking…
Remind yourself you are not powerless even though you are asleep…
Upon recalling the dream, find the source of harm… This may recur in different dreams…
At that point where you wish to rouse + end the dream, tell yourself — stop… turn around…
Look back at the dream w/ new eyes…
+ because it’s a dream, make use of whatever skills or tools you need to beat your dream-nemesis… (I’ve landed the plane rather than crash; I’ve driven a screwdriver through the hand of someone “screwing” w/ my daughter; I’ve found a pen when all I had for an exam was a “Neversharp” pencil — terrifying dreams, eh???)
The sense of relief + power on awaking are transformative…
(+ yes, your brain may use bizarre word clues to help you through these troubles)…

Hope you find relief soon..: I’m sending restful thoughts…

[Collimator]

12. Please accept my sympathies.

With your indulgence, I am going to pass along a suggestion that is given to people with cutting disorders, of all things. Consider holding an ice cube firmly in your hand. Naturally, it will be uncomfortable, and that is the point.

Feel the sharp, mildly painful sting of the cold object in your hand and focus on the sensation. Let the pain in your hand displace your awareness of all the pain in the world, which, unfortunately, you are carrying in your soul.

Live in the moment of pain and let your hand carry the burden for as long as you can stand it. It may help to divert your mind from inducing worse symptoms throughout your body. As an additional benefit, the cold may calm your heart rate somewhat.

Beyond this small, practical action, I have no answers or advice for you. But, as many here have pointed out, you are not alone in your struggle. I hope that this knowledge offers you some small comfort.

[crimycarny]

13. I have a sort of double whammy

The 4 year anniversary of my son’s death (suicide) is coming up on 4 years next week. My son and I talked politics ALL THE TIME. Mostly him reading up on things and getting outraged or upset. He was a “Bernie” vote in the primary in 2016.

So I’ve got my son’s loss combined with the daily barrage of catastrophic news after catastrophic news.

What I started doing, which is so hard (for me anyway), was to tune out of all news, all social media, and watch “feel good” movies based on true stories. “Flamin hot” about a janitor at Frito Lay who came up with the idea of flamin hot Cheetos. “Air” about Nike (Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman), whatever will distract me in a good way.

I think a lot of people are where you are. This world doesn’t make sense with evil winning, even thriving, and good people suffering. 71% thinks the US is out of control under Trump, 71%!!

. Nightmares are awful because you feel the same emotions as if it actually happened. I definitely understand

[peacebuzzard]

16. So sorry that is tough,,,,

i feel your pain….

[sheshe2]

14. ...

[peacebuzzard]

15. So sorry....

I kind of know a little about waking up in the middle of the night i routinely suffer from this
It’s a sinking feeling; I am always glad when this happens and I’m in my own house and my sweet Chico the sweet street cat I adopted is laying quietly at my feet.
My sweet cat makes my insomnia more bearable as well as all of the mental burdens. I travel quite a bit and it’s awful to wake up in a place far away and with that same old gnawing anxiety. I totally get it…..

I am so sorry LuckyCharms, I hope the rest of this middle of the night and rest of this terrible travesty we go through gets resolved. I hope you find deserved sleep……

[mahina]

18. /Are you taking any new meds or dosage changes

Twice in the last couple of years, I've had heavy duty nightmares, super realistic, after a medication change her dosage change. Only reading into the weeds on the medication's revealed to that that is sometimes a side effect. I guess I'm hoping there's something you can change to avoid it. I know what it feels like to not wanna go to sleep because of them.

Really hoping that whatever it is works itself out and you're healed. Do me a little favor and sprinkle some salt around your sleeping area. I can't bless it for you, but you can for whatever that's worth.

Good luck LC, sweet dreams.

[Donkees]

19. IMO, Most of those gifs you posted yesterday are the stuff of nightmares

The day before that, the emotional story about your uncle, you sorting through old photos, etc., increases stress. Even you being "ecstatic all day'' increases stress. It's like a swinging pendulum instead of being centered.

[malaise]

20. Do whatever you need to stay well