Messages

Hi Little2Nothing,
Going at a pace that is slower is most likely a good thing.  Rushing it could be potentially damaging.  I think it takes a significant amount of time.  I think you're doing well - making progress.

Hope 

Hi Bach,
I am thinking of you, and wanted to send you a hug 
Hope 

  I hope to write something to each of you, but right now, I'm just thanking you for what you wrote.   

I'm also sending you support, Slashy 

Hope 

Boundaries? Not allowed. Standing up for myself? Punished and gaslit into thinking it was me. So, the only thing that worked/was allowed was to block it out, or it just doesn't exist.

Wow Dollyvee, I relate to this so much.  I could have also written this about myself - it's quite a lightbulb moment to think that a perspective on something can be altered so much by this kind of stuff.  I think it's so unfair and horrible that this happens.  But it's also a way of coping, and I've done it too.  I'm glad that we can set our own boundaries as adults - although doing that can be challenging too.  I feel like I'm rambling now, but I just wanted you to know that I felt an affinity with what you wrote.

 
Hope 

Hi Bert,
I just wanted to say that I think it's good that you got through your first week at your new job, and I know you're experiencing some intense emotions and EFs over the weekend, but I hope that you are managing today - and that you are ok. 

I think it's good that you're more compassionate towards yourself.

Take care, and wishing you the best for today and tomorrow.  I hope it goes ok, and maybe better than you anticipate even.

Hope 

Hi NarcKiddo,
I am so sorry to hear that you're so unwell, and I hope that you can get into a private hospital soon to get the appropriate nursing care.   
Hope 

Hi Starting Healing,
Those stats you quoted by Morgan Stanley are interesting.  The nutrients in that seaweed also sound amazing.  I don't think I've ever eaten seaweed.  I imagine it would taste quite salty.  Have you tried any of it?  Are you thinking of trying it?

Anyway, just popped by to wish you the best for today.
Hope 

Hi PapaCoco,  It was lovely to read through your experiences in your latest journal entry - really lovely.  I very much like the thought of finding beauty in small things, and relishing that. 

I hope you are finding more of those to enjoy.
Hope 

Hi Sage,
It sounds like a really onerous system to do all of that.  I admire the fact you've been able to negotiate your way through it.  Sounds like you know what you're doing, and I hope it gets sorted later today. 
Hope 

Hi Blueberry,
I hope you sleep well. 
Hope 

Dear Woodsgnome,
I am glad that you enjoyed the sunrise a couple of days ago, and that enjoyed the sun's light brought some warmth to you, despite the lack of sleep you'd had during that long and fretful night.  I am so sorry that you're experiencing so much stuff from your memories.  It isn't fair how those things can clamour in like that. 

I really hope that you know how much you are valued in this community - you are such an inspiring person to me, and have been since I 'met' you a few years back.  I often use some visualisations when I'm meditating that include you and other forum members - enjoying the equivalent of 'The Secret Garden' - I know you won't find that strange that I say that.  I think you'll understand what I mean. 

Anyway, sending you some warmth and caring thoughts - and hoping that today is somehow a better day, or at least that there are some more positive moments that you can enjoy.  I hope the flashbacks and bad memories will give you some respite and that you are ok.

  to you Woodgsnome.
Hope 

Hi Cascade,
I have just seen your post, and wanted to wish you well.
Hope 

[Slashy]

Hi Slashy  Thanks again for what you wrote about your night terrors and lucid dreaming - I just read it in the other part of the forum, and I replied there.  I appreciated you taking the time to write about your experiences, it's been very helpful to me.  I feel sure it will hopefully help other people too.  Interestingly for me, I seem to be on the range of dissociative experiences where I 'can' move - as I will leave the bed (more previously than now, as my partner admits he will keep hold of me now rather than let me launch off) - I found what you wrote to be hopeful - that there is more opportunity to progress in calming the night terrors - and I think I'll be considering them with less fear than previously.  I had already noticed some definite improvements - so I feel like I'm progressing in that way.  I haven't had many recently but if I do get any - I'll hopefully be less afraid.

Hi Blueberry - Thank you so much for your encouragement - and for what you said about my 'routine' with the EFT and meditation.  I'm glad that you're also finding some positive things with your own meditation and EFT.        That's me and you, cheering each other along.  I love that!   

***********
26th April 2024

I did some 'research' on the computer, and have got these notes about Night terrors and lucid dreaming (spurred on by Slashy's kind sharing of stuff related to this), and just wanted to keep those notes here in my journal - to refer back to:

"Yes, there is some evidence suggesting a relationship between night terrors and lucid dreaming. Research indicates that both sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming are dissociated experiences related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. A study found that the frequency of sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming were positively related, especially when sleep paralysis episodes included vestibular-motor hallucinations, which involve illusory movement and out-of-body experiences1. Dissociative experiences during wakefulness were identified as a common predictor for both sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming, suggesting that these experiences during REM sleep may reflect a continuation of dissociative experiences in waking states1.

Additionally, lucid dreaming has been explored as a potential therapeutic approach for those who experience frequent nightmares, with some success in reducing the average number of nightmares2. This suggests that while night terrors and lucid dreaming are distinct phenomena, they may share some common underlying mechanisms related to dissociation and REM sleep.

Night terrors are typically characterized by intense fear and panic during sleep, often accompanied by screaming, crying, or thrashing. While most people remain still during night terrors, it is not uncommon for some individuals to exhibit movement or even get out of bed. Here are some points to consider:

1.   Variability: Night terrors can manifest differently in different individuals. Some people may experience minimal movement, while others might exhibit more pronounced physical activity.

2.   Spectrum of Intensity: Night terrors exist on a spectrum. At one end, there are mild episodes with minimal movement, and at the other end, there are more severe cases where individuals may move around or even leave their bed.

3.   REM Sleep Paralysis: Night terrors occur during non-REM (NREM) sleep, but they can sometimes overlap with REM sleep. During REM sleep, our muscles are typically paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our dreams. However, in some cases, this paralysis may not be complete, leading to movement during night terrors.

4.   Individual Differences: Factors such as genetics, stress, sleep quality, and overall health can influence the severity and characteristics of night terrors. Some people may be more prone to movement during these episodes.

5.   Consult a Professional: If someone consistently experiences night terrors with significant movement, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the individual's specific situation and provide guidance.

In summary, while movement during night terrors is less common, it is not unusual. Each person's experience can vary, and understanding the underlying factors can help manage and cope with these episodes. If someone is concerned about their night terrors, seeking professional advice is recommended. 🌙

Vestibular-motor hallucinations involve imagined sensations related to movement, out-of-body experiences, or feelings of bliss. These experiences can occur during sleep paralysis, a condition characterized by a brief loss of muscle control just after falling asleep or before waking up. Sleep paralysis often includes distressing hallucinations, and vestibular-motor hallucinations are one of the types that individuals may encounter during these episodes1. 🌙

The study on the frequency of sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming was conducted by researchers Remington Mallett, Laura Sowin, Rachel Raider, Karen R Konkoly, and Ken A Paller. It was published in the journal SLEEP Advances, Volume 3, Issue 1, in 20221. The study sought to quantify the positive and negative aspects of seeking lucid dreams, describe their phenomenology, and identify features associated with positive or negative experiences1.

The main findings of the study on the frequency of sleep paralysis and lucid dreaming were that there is a positive and significant correlation between the two phenomena. The research concluded that there is indeed a connection between lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis, suggesting that individuals who experience one are more likely to experience the other1.

Research has shown that trauma can significantly impact dream patterns. Here are some key points related to trauma and its effects on dreams:

1.   Trauma-Related Dreams: After experiencing trauma, it's common to have nightmares and anxiety dreams. These disturbed dreams often incorporate similar feelings and sensations to those experienced during the trauma. Trauma-related dreams may involve re-experiencing traumatic events or memories and can be distressing, intense, and vivid.
2.   Why Does Trauma Affect Dreams? While there isn't broad consensus on why trauma affects dreams, several hypotheses exist:
o   Memory Consolidation: Dreams may help integrate traumatic experiences into long-term memory. They simulate threatening events and allow us to try out different responses.
o   Revisiting Trauma: Dreams might allow people to revisit and attempt to work through old trauma.
o   Transforming Shame: Nightmares may transform shame associated with trauma into fear.
3.   Nightmares and PTSD: Nightmares are common after trauma, especially in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may be an intense expression of the body working through traumatic experiences. Fortunately, for most people, trauma-related nightmares subside after a few weeks or months.
4.   Lucid Dreaming: Lucid dreaming (LD) is a learnable strategy to cope with nightmares. In LDs, the dreamer is aware of the dreaming state and can control dream content. Recent research suggests that LD therapy (LDT) could be an alternate or complementary treatment option for nightmares in PTSD, specifically for symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In summary, trauma can significantly influence dream experiences, and lucid dreaming may offer a way to cope with trauma-related nightmares. 🌙"

Note to self: Maybe explore how people use Lucid Dreaming to help with the night terrors, and try it out.  But be cautious! 

I'm finding the first week of my new diet (calorie counting) is going well so far.  Just being aware of the calories in each meal etc has really opened my eyes to what I've been eating and what my body needs.  I hope that I will be losing some weight - and get the extra weight off sooner rather than later.  I feel good about that. 

Hope 

Hi Slashy,
Thank you so much for writing about your experiences with night terrors, and the link with lucid dreaming.  I think it is really relevant to what I've been experiencing myself, and also very thought-provoking (in a helpful way).  I appreciate you taking the time to write about it, and I hope that others will find it helpful as well.

I looked online for some more information, and there is mention of using Lucid Dreaming Therapy to help with night terrors. 

But what I particularly found helpful - was you sharing your experience and knowing that it's similar to my own - it's validating to experience that. 

I do remember previously how scared I had been by the hallucinations part of it - but I read that it's along a continuum with dissociative experiences, and I get those in the daytime (dissociation) - so having it at night, with hallucinations does make sense.  Interestingly, one of my more recent experiences, was seeing a green heart-shaped balloon in the bedroom, which was actually a pleasant thing.  So it's not all been bad.

Anyway, thank you!  I hope you'll share more of your experiences, if you want to.  I love the idea of a Gateway to Lucid Dreaming - it's such a positive reframing of something previously scary!

Hope