Afraid of Bedtime

My life took a huge turn 3 years ago and since then I've developed a fear of going to bed at night. Ive had terrible dreams that always have a recurring theme. Its currently 1am and I constantly have to fight my Anxiety because I anticipate having nightmares as soon as I fall asleep. So I struggle big time with getting myself into bed. Like I don't have enough to stress me out

[Nothing_but_books]

I'm not a doctor, and this isn't medical advice, but vivid dreams are a side effect of some drugs. Start there. Ask your druggist if anything you're taking could be giving you those dreams.

I'm a lousy one to talk -- those who can't do teach, you know -- but you're not supposed to fight anxiety. Opt out, and have a plan instead. For instance, don't eat too late. Don't drink too late, so you don't get up to pee.

Have you tried Melatonin? That sometimes helps. It can even matter what brand you take, you can respond differently to different ones.

Find a regular before bed routine that's comforting. I hope you're feeling better soon.

A screen saver idea, if you like.

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Thank you so much for your response and ideas. I definitely have to get to the bottom of this. 3 years is long enough to be dealing with this

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

You're welcome. 🙏 🦜

[Hidden]

Same here...... Then I spend all day in bed. I get nothing done and the cycle starts all over again

[Dusty1234]

I do understand this, but I thought I was alone in it. I don't necessarily get nightmares, so I don't understand why I don't want to go to bed. It's been going on for a very long time. My sister says I'm a vampire, because I go into my deepest sleep once the sun goes up. I was on something for sleep, but hardly ever took them. I frustrated my Dr. I really don't know why it's such a big deal. I really hate when I'm tired, but my brain goes into full motion. Maybe I'm afraid of that happening. I do know that I am sleep deprived, but I don't seem to want to do anything about it. When it's really bad, I will end up getting really, really cold. I can't seem to get warm no matter what I do. Finally, I fall into a deep sleep and wake up so hot covered in blankets etc. lol I work hard not to go that far.

[Hidden in reply to Dusty1234]

Ive Always had some type of sleep issue but I would usually snap out of it. But after my divorce in 2019 I think ive developed some type of ptsd (only my opinion) because my nightmares have steadily increased to the point that I'm petrified of falling asleep. At my age I've tried just about every antidepressants thete is so I've discouraged myself from going back to seeking advice from a doc. Sometimes I'm so sleep deprived that I can't even think straight. Sometimes I'm a bit embarrassed to even talk about because it seems silly to let my divorce affect me 3 years on. Man, if it's not one thing it's another.... No winning

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

You aren't silly because you're still bothered by what happened. Whose voice do you hear, telling you you can't feel what you're feeling? Find someone to talk to about what's bothering you -- someone who doesn't think it's silly.

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I definitely needed to read that because for a while now I haven't spoken to anyone about it. Unfortunately I've learned the hard way that our wordsnare often used against us. But you're right, I know I shouldn't be so stubborn and start looking for a new therapist. Im not keen on psychiatrists these days , but at least a psychologist

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Hidden]

Or... hint-hint... an anonymous forum to tide you over till then. 😉

[Hidden in reply to Nothing_but_books]

For sure!

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

it’s okay. I’m in my 30s and afraid of the dark. Mainly cause when I was little there was a drive by done to our house. For those who don’t know what a “drive-by” is. Someone shot up my house. The bullets ended up in my closet. Luckily for me my closet was away from me and my bed. My parents weren’t hurt. But I need a nite light in order to sleep.

I stopped taking naps because of vivid nightmares. I realized I shouldn’t go to sleep after drinking soda.

Sometimes it can be diet or medications.

[Hidden in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

WOW.... I can't imagine how you're able to get through something like that. I really appreciate you sharing your story. It's often hard for me to share, thanks!

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to Hidden]

Sharing is caring. Also sharing allows us to heal. Just to get it off our chest. Thank you for sharing your issues with falling asleep. 💜

[Bacaloca]

I am 60 years old and I am afraid to sleep, I go to bed watch TV on my tablet, play games on my tablet or colour pictures in on my tablet, or even read a book on my tablet anything but go to sleep. When I do fall asleep I have nightmares and night tremors so of course I don't stay asleep. the most I have slept in a night in the last 14 years is 2 hours. I have learnt to manage on that but I know that it is not good for my mental health.

[Hidden]

Wish I had your willpower. Last night I fell asleep for a few hours only because I was completely mentally and physically drained. Didn't even have the energy to shower before bed. There was absolutely nothing else I could do to stay awake. Those damned nightmares have put a fear in my heart I've never known. I thought I would actually get a good night's sleep but of course at about 5 this morning I found myself awake with tears in my eyes. In the past if I'd ever have a bad dream or nightmare I would jump up and reach over to my wife (of 30 years) for comfort. It often helped just knowing I wasn't alone. I no longer have that luxury of comfort so it's thrown me for a loop in dealing with this mess. I made an appointment to see my Primary doc for tomorrow but I know it's just a waste of time, and a waste of an office copay. I've given up on psych doctors so this appointment may just be a desperate reach into space. I'll say this much, I'm glad I found this site. I've only been a member for a few days and have already received enormous outreach and advise. Reading stories, like yours, is not wasted on me

[Bacaloca in reply to Hidden]

I have a 12 ft body pillow which I find helps for comfort I put my head on it, one side down my back into my knees and the other side down my front and under my knees, it's a bit like being in a pillow hug. Great for sleeping on your own.😀

[Hidden in reply to Bacaloca]

That's exactly what it sounds like.. a big pillow hug...