A dream phenomena that I've sometimes experienced is one that I'll call "dark dreams". This is a dream that seems to be occurring in the dark. There may be some visibility in the form of shadows, outlines, or merely the sense of what is present in the dream. In each occurrence that I've experienced there has been some sort of ominous presence or a situation about which I was unable to do anything. My reactions have included temporary paralysis, terror, confusion, and eventually a panicked return to wakefulness which might be accompanied by muted screams or talking.
This is probably a state related to what is known as night terrors or maybe it is the same thing. The dark dream state to which I refer almost always occurs shortly after falling asleep or even upon first falling asleep after going to bed. The dreams of this state are very different than normal sleep dreams as there is not any particular story line or large scale dream setting. The dream setting for me in these dreams has always been the same setting where I am sleeping such as my own bedroom or another place where I am staying.
Dark dreams are more of a mood or state of mind in which a threatening presence creates fear for ones life, health, or well-being. They are not usually pleasant dreams or dreams that I want to experience. They are the most peculiar of all dreams in that they seem to serve no useful purpose and possibly could even be harmful.
Have you experienced a dark dream such as what I've described? When have they happened? Have you experienced sleep paralysis?
When my ex-h was taking Buspar, he would fall into that sleep paralysis state where he swore 'the blanket people' were pulling the covers off, sitting on his bed or standing in the room. Thankfully I've never experienced that. When his meds were changed, that stopped.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, I think your husband's experience sound very much like what I'm talking about with the "dark dream" concept.
DeleteLee
I was reading up on the phenomenon for a story. They think it is due to the normal sleep paralysis that occurs during REM which is nature's way of keeping you safe. Unfortunately, our brain is wired to look for intruders which is why we feel a presence when we are awake but in sleep paralysis.
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams.
I have had dreams where I am there watching myself struggle from closed doors not opening as darkness fills the area... it's not a room it's open on all sides but that door. I will wake up after a few minutes... I don't know where I am in my house and I will stand in a doorway or look out the window until I can come to realize it was a dream...
ReplyDeleteJeremy
That does sound like a similar type of sleep occurrence as what I'm talking about. It also sounds strange if not a bit disturbing.
DeleteLee
this is one of two dreams I have had since I was a small child, the other one is even more disturbing... it involves a dirty ball of string spinning around in a sandbox... These two dreams are almost the same every time and I have them once or twice a year for the last 40... thoughts.
DeleteI wrote about dreams today as well. It sounds like you are having sleep paralysis, which can be very scary. My mum gets it. She thinks she is awake in bed, but she is actually dreaming. She usually thinks someone is there or someone/thing is pressing on her chest and she can't move. Do you sleep on your back? That position is thought to contribute to it. Try a different position.
ReplyDelete"Dream paralysis" is something I've experienced but never had a name to put to it. I usually wake up talking or yelling until my husband tells me its okay, go back to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI have. I've dreamt about trying to find my way in the dark, or some kind of maze or doors, and climbing. I have also dreamed that I'm falling. And, I have a reoccurring dream of a dark person at the door.
ReplyDeletePlay off the Page
I've had something similar to that. It's the kind of dream that always jolts me awake and even makes my body jerk. I also have what I call "dark man" dreams, about a person who I can't really see but who is threatening me. Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteThanks AFV for this post. Some of my dreams take place in the dark, some in light of day. Even when they occur in light of day they can be very dark - ominous, which wake me up immediately and I write them down. As happened this morning. A frightening dream ... I think I've got a 'handle' on it, though I'm not sure. I don't think I've experienced sleep paralysis.
ReplyDeleteThere have been very few instances when I felt danger while dreaming ... but I do suffer from sleep paralysis sometimes. That's terribly scary!!
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