How can I calm down my dreams?

[teenagebambam]

My dreams are not scary, or prophetic (that I can tell) or even, generally, very meaningful - just VERY VERY active. Last night, for example, I was undercover with the mob - trying to act evil while not hurting anyone, and not be found out! (I know, I know, you're probably going to tell me that's significant in some way!)

Anyway, the problem is - I'm sleeping at least 8 hours a night but I'm waking up EXHAUSTED. I'm not a snorer so I don't suspect apnea; I've tried stretching, meditating, no tv before bed, lots of tv before bed, nightcaps, no nightcaps, melatonin, benadryl...nothing seems to make a difference! It's been happening at least 2 months now. The only time I get really rested is on weekends - when I can sleep past my "normal" wake up time my dreams get much more sedate :)

[kimmerspixelated]

1. I've been reading a book that says to relish in your dreams

and make them work for you by asking a question about a problem just before shuteye. WHen you wake and remember some kind of answer should come to you. Why not ask about your dreams?

[Shallah Kali]

2. Hi some find melatonin increases dream vividness and recall

I do but I need the help sleeping so I found a few things that help me deal and might be useful to you. I try to remember to smudge the home and esp. my bedroom at least once a month, better to do it weekly as I am empathic. Before sleeping I visualize shields around the property the house is on, the house itself and my bed room so I don't pick up any stuff my Mom discharges energetically, like all people do, in her sleep. I picture the shields having grounding cords going to the center of the earth to anchor them. I ask my guides/allies and high self to help me to only travel to and through positive places if I astrally project or anything like that - doing that alone is often enough to stave off extra scary extra wacky dreams. Also as I have a hard time waking up with a tendency to bump into walks, stubbing my poor toes on furniture and the like when I wake up without enough sleep I also focus my intention and ask for help to make sure I return to my body at least 1 minute before awakening for any reason. It cuts down on me whacking myself with the door or other silly discombobulated mishap if I get up in the middle of the night or mumbling incoherently into the phone like one of the Peanuts adults if someone calls early. I have an uncle who likes to call 7 am on the weekends when we sleep in and always says What aren't you up now? :grr: I *hate* morning people who assume everyone else is perky in the AM dag nabbit! con sarnit!

[rosesaylavee]

3. How do you prepare for sleep?

Maybe try a calm visualization and/or meditation that will rest your individual muscles and quiet your brain... this helps me. I also take some calcium when I am feeling anxious at bedtime... not as whamy loaded as melatonin but still effective for me.

[teenagebambam]

4. Well, that's part of the problem

Right now the mister and I are co-directing a show. So we teach all, day, then go to rehearsal, then get home at 9 pm or after and have to tend to the dogs, make and eat dinner, finish up any work for the day, then try and "relax" before going to sleep and starting all over again the next day. I did skip the melatonin last night at someone's suggestion and it seemed to have made a difference!