Question:
Dear Emily,
I’ve been having terrible nightmares for weeks now. I’ve tried meditation, art, CBD, and comedy. I need a good nights sleep! Any advice?
Sincerely,
Frazzled in Ferntucky
Answer:
Dear Frazzled,
It sounds like you’re taking some reasonable steps to aid in a good night’s rest. However, it’s perfectly natural to be frazzled right now. These are interesting and troubling times. Consequently, the uncertainty can cause a lot of emotions and fears to be stirred up deep within our psyche.
WebMD has a great article on dreams and nightmares. Naturally, it offers much more helpful information on the topic that I could provide. However, I will say that when I have dreams or nightmares of any kind, I will write them down as soon as I wake up. Then, I can analyze them later. Analyzing dreams can help you understand underlying issues in your waking life that your subconscious is trying to work out. If you can tap into that and come to some conclusion that makes sense to you, it may relieve you of those nightmares. Consequently, you should be less frazzled and more centered.
Lucid dreaming is also something you might want to try to work on. When you find yourself stuck in an agitated dream state, the control you learn will help relieve your anxiety. Try to be present in it. Make choices knowing you are in a dream, but allowing it to be a joint effort between your conscious mind and your dream state. I do love analyzing dreams, so please feel free to share one with me and I will send you my interpretation.
Basically, you won’t be able to just meditate and laugh your way out it. The messages of nightmares and dreams are worth exploring. You have to dig it out of the root of your soul, acknowledge it, and let it go in order for you to have some peace.
Best of luck,
Emily
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