an observation about dreams

[fruitisgood]

I am prone to experiencing alot of nightmares and sleep disturbances. Often ill dream about whatever is stressing me out, and it'll amalgamate into one of my recurring nightmare themes. Usually abandonment, and not being able to be heard. Sometimes I get quite destructive in the dreams. I try to hurt people, or I break things, or I yell so loudly it feels like the universe shatters. 

It often feels so real and distressing, and Ill wake up in tears, or heart racing, or yelling, and feel off for the rest of the day. 

But recently I have noticed that despite the same themes recurring, and the same 'characters' showing up, Ive been waking up giggling and laughing. I dont remember what was even funny in the dreams.  

Its such a strange experience. I have had laugh dreams before, but they've always been a very different setting and place. its strange to have laughter in dream spaces where theres normally only terror and sadness. 

[holdinghope5]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing this with us @fruitisgood. 

Dreams can be so interesting... our unconscious mind does a lot of processing during our sleep and it can con conjure up all sorts of things in that time. Your dreams sound like they are often quite distressing... I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. 

Regarding the laughing, sometimes this happens to me too! And I will have NO idea either. Perhaps it's just a bodily reaction? Or naybe there really was something funny, but your brain wasn't able to recall it? 

I am sure it feels quite disconcerting to find yourself laughing in these moments, but I am glad to know that you're not always waking up with heaviness. 

I am curious to know if you have a psychologist or anyone to talk to about these dreams? And how do you care for yourself upon waking?  ❤️

[fruitisgood]

@holdinghope5 

It does suck how often I experience them. They really knock me around for the coming day too. 

Makes sense that it would be happening during a time of processing. Some massive life changes are going on, plus working through the long heavy messy process that is Grief. 

Hey, another fellow sleep laugher! its so bizarre hey. I also talk, yell, sing and even 'eat'. 

I do see a therapist at the moment. I havent seen them in a few weeks due to holidays. Its really stressing me out not having that weekly routine. Ill be talking about this experience more in depth with them then. 

[fruitisgood]

@holdinghope5  

Oh yeah. As for care routines when waking up? Not really? Sometimes I manage to roll out of bed and put my shoes on and go for a walk. But when I struggle to do that I get trapped in rumination cycles, especially if the dream was quite vivid. I tried writing it out but that was... not the best idea in that moment of distress.

Any suggestions? 

[RatDiva]

I definitely relate to this! I have nightmares often and find myself obsessing over what they may “mean” or feeling angry that I can’t find peace even when sleeping. 

it’s very encouraging to hear that your dreams have turned around and you are able to experience joy and whimsy in your subconscious. That sounds like healing to me 😉 

What has helped me reduce the impact of nightmares is quitting caffeine (tough for sure but it really does help me sleep better at night), avoiding scary/intense/triggering movies or TV shows before bed, and decluttering my bedroom and making it a sanctuary for relaxation and rest!