anyone had the type of dream where you are "pinned down" …

[kia cat]

Please, this isn't on the joke page, so some respect if you don't mind; thanks. My wife suffered these as a child, where she'd be unable to move, call for help, until the dream/nightmare passes. She's been having them again, I'm guessing it's to do with the trauma of suddenly losing both parents.

Her Doc has prescribed some sleeping tabs [which aren't working] and some diazipan. Do these have side effects on dreams? Thanks all

[albaqwerty]

I haven't had those types of dreams but can sympathise with your wife and yourself. May I suggest some bereavement conselliing?

[tinkerbell23]

Yes.... Terrible... Poor her xx

[kia cat]

thanks, both. I'm hoping to sort that out, maybe with her GP or via one of her pals who could help. I'm hoping things will ease once we've had the funeral. Otherwise it's just a question of listening [and learning] X

[tinkerbell23]

Could be traumatic stress....or sleep apnoea!

Hope u get it sorted...i hav seriously vivid dreams and its actually tiring xx

[albaqwerty]

Kia, I am sure your beloved Mrs Kia, will eventually come out of the dark tunnel she is in, with your help, support, love and listening. It will take a long time (sorry to sound so dis-heartening) Please keep an eye on the meds tho, I'm not a believer in them either short-term or long-term. They will not get rid of the shock or sense of loss. Please give her a hug from me. xx

[Mosaic]

These happen when the sleeper is in a very deep phase of sleep but is dreaming. The vividness of the dream makes the sleeper want to move in response, but because they are deep asleep they can't 'will' their limbs to move, hence the notion that you're pinned down. Some people have them a few times, others only once or twice, but it's still upsetting to experience.
Perhaps repeat reassurance that it's only a dream might help - diazepan will I think relax the muscles, which might add to the traumatic nightmare!
You don't say how long it is since her parents passed away but perhaps talking about how grief affects people might help, if only to gain awareness that the dreams are part of a phase that will pass and need not be feared as terrible entities in themselves.
Could you ask through the GP for bereavement counselling? It might help out.

[cazzz1975]

I have had something similar it felt very sinister at the time, I found it was down to stress, I tried to relax and more and they have abated but if I get one occasionally now I know I am probably stressed

I also get "exploding head syndrome" which is related to sleep paralysis and is stress related.

[cazzz1975]

http://en.wikipedia.o...ploding_head_syndrome

[moonraker558]

I used to have something similar but I would wake up during these events unable to move or talk and it would take every ounce of strength to start to move again. But during these attacks, if I were just to lay still I could feel I was sinking deeper into whatever it was which was quite scary at the time. I have not experienced one for some time now.

[4getmenot]

yep i used to get sleep paralysis. Quite scary. I had it alot other why round though where body wakes up before brain so used to sleep fight with all sorts of weird things. It was stress and alot on my mind, but hadnt had it for 4 years since finding happiness with my bloke

[hc4361]

I have had many episodes of sleep paralysis over the years. At first I was terrified, but now realise that I am in a dream state and I'm able to tell myself to relax and go back to sleep.
Now I don't find them frightening at all, just very strange.

[237SJ]

Interesting about the exploding head syndrome. I`ve had that (with a flash of light).

[China Doll]

Yes, get it from time to time. I now know to just wait basically and not to panic and my body will come back to normal but it is still quite an unpleasant experience.

[ummmm]

I haven't mastered the art of not panicking when I'm half asleep.

It's an awful thing to happen. Most certainly stress related. Happened quite often to me after my Dad died.

[cathfromsaron]

if they are genuine dream - and not any of the semi-dream state things you can have - then she needs to work on her subconcious!

but i think she should be referred to the sleep clinic and not overload her natural responses with medication!

cath x

[Calibax]

Sleep paralysis is quite common. Your body switches off your voluntary muscles to stop you acting out your dreams in deep sleep. If you half awaken in can be quite frightening, often accompanied by the feeling that someone is sitting on you. Also known as Night Hag and thought to be the basis for some 'alien abduction' dreams.

[kia cat]

Thanks all, sorry if my initial qu was a bit tetchy, put that down to lack of sleep. Yesterday after the bad night and early morning, she was very on edge and nervy. Found a proprietary brand of herbal tea which has help her get a nights untroubled sleep. Everyone's comments from here have helped calm things down a lot, she no longer thinks she's going mad. So thank you all.

[albaqwerty]

Your question didn't come across as tetchy at all Kia.
Glad that things have calmed down. I continue to wish both of you well x