Afraid of going to sleep

[Omceer]

Is there such a thing as a fear of sleeping? Because I think I might be developing it.
I can't sleep, not because I am unable to, it is that ever since a few nights ago I had a horrifyingly upsetting nightmare that shook me down to my core and now I dont want to sleep because I am afraid of seeing the images again...
I know this cannot be normal or healthy but I am literally going out of my way to stay awake.

 

[JoeyArnold]

Download Christian music or audio scriptures & fall asleep dwelling & praying on those kinds of things. Believe that Christ can take care of you in the mist of storms, uncertainty, struggles, pain, trials, temptations, fears, Satan himself, demons, stress, circumstances, the unknown, etc.

 

[SplendidTree]

Oh goodness, I still get this from time to time but not as much as I used to. I was afraid of having nightmares and before it was due to health issues.

What helped me was a lot of what Joey Arnold said. Praying for you now brother. My heart goes out to you, it truly does.

Psalm 4:8 is one a friend shared with me recently: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

 

[dfly]

That sounds terrible. I'm praying for you.

 

[drjean]

Ugh! These things happen and it can upset your sleep rhythm which makes everything go off kilter.

Develop a sleep routine. Some need as long as an hour to prepare themselves for sleep--and to "warn" the body that you are going to go to sleep soon.

Don't watch any exciting tv or computer games nor read any suspenseful or dark reading... maybe read comforting Scripture with good easy music in the background. Tell yourself, I'm going to go to bed and sleep soon. There are CDs that play sounds/tones that put the brain into delta wave, allowing for good sleep quickly...you might try one of them. Tell yourself positive phrases and think good thoughts about having sweet and good dreams and how you will wake rested in the morning. (Be careful what you eat before bedtime too... some foods are upsetting!)

If you can't get back to a good sleep pattern within maybe a week or so, then talk to your doctor. Taking a sleep med for another week or so (only) can help reset your circadian rhythm.

Sweet dreams!

 

[rossignol]

I was afraid to sleep for years because I would dream awful things and even beat myself up at night. It was PSD for me. I know the night mares can make you never want to sleep again.

Prescriptions helped me rest without dreaming bad things. That was a temporary tool so that I could deal with my issues that made me not sleep well.

 

[BobRyan]

Is there such a thing as a fear of sleeping? Because I think I might be developing it.
I can't sleep, not because I am unable to, it is that ever since a few nights ago I had a horrifyingly upsetting nightmare that shook me down to my core and now I dont want to sleep because I am afraid of seeing the images again...
I know this cannot be normal or healthy but I am literally going out of my way to stay awake.

1. Surround yourself by nothing but calm peaceful praise music and Bible reading - no action/adventure/sci-fi films.

2. Make a list of Bible promises and in your dream you WILL be able to claim at least one whenever something fearful appears to be starting up. This will end the badness in a dream almost instantly.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[RuthD]

Sometimes a cup of hot Chamomile Tea can relax you while you are listening to that soothing music and reading your bible.

 

[STAYING_STRONG4HIM]

I have this problem a lot too. It is very hard, because if you are afraid to sleep and aren't getting good sleep then everything else is going to feel worse because your not getting the sleep and rest that your body needs to function properly. Sorry your struggling with this too. I know its is hard.

 

[dabro]

Yes there is such a disorder and it is brought on by what you describe. Nightmares. How do I know? I have it too. I get nightmares maybe twice a week. Always rememebring my dreams it's called somniaphobia.

 

[Robby058]

Don't forget to cry out to Jesus even in your dreams...it works pretty much every time for me...pretty amazing...

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Omceer,

Your story reminds me of Nightmare on Elm Street, have you considered talking to your doctor or going to a sleep specialist?

 

[healiheal242526]

I'm going to give this a try too because I've had sleeping problems ever since I was younger, mainly because I always hear people talking in my pillow. sing in your mind songs of praise like "our God is an awesome God..."

Or "Lord I lift your name on high"

I'm going to give this a try as well.

God bless you.

Eric

 

[redblue22]

sleep is very scary.

 

[RuthD]

Praying for you. How are you doing now?

 

[jackmt]

Is there such a thing as a fear of sleeping? Because I think I might be developing it.
I can't sleep, not because I am unable to, it is that ever since a few nights ago I had a horrifyingly upsetting nightmare that shook me down to my core and now I dont want to sleep because I am afraid of seeing the images again...
I know this cannot be normal or healthy but I am literally going out of my way to stay awake.

If there is an official Dx, I think it would go by the name "narcophobia."
Try looking that up in the DSM-IV or google it.

 

[healiheal242526]

The holy spirit and a blessed doctor will help you.

 

[coons786c]

First of all Demonic and Satanic are influences on Christians to either bring fear or temp us to sin. I would cast out the spirit of fear by taking up the armor of God in Eph 6 chapter. Satan is a lier. We are fighting against dark powers in the spiritual world. Focus on Jesus and meditate on your favorite scriptures. Pray and get close to God.

 

[dfly]

i lost my fears of going to sleep two weeks ago. somebody prayed for me and now they are gone!! It's so great!

 

[yanno the meek]

Is there such a thing as a fear of sleeping? Because I think I might be developing it.
I can't sleep, not because I am unable to, it is that ever since a few nights ago I had a horrifyingly upsetting nightmare that shook me down to my core and now I dont want to sleep because I am afraid of seeing the images again...
I know this cannot be normal or healthy but I am literally going out of my way to stay awake.

I don't know about fear of dreams but I go to support groups for bipolar disorder and I met someone who feared sleep. She would constantly check and recheck the doors and windows and investigate every little creak throughout the night. Her fear was completely beyond our abilities to reassure her.