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?
