A Closer Look At Dreaming

I think the majority of people suffer from at least one, and sometimes several, recurring dreams - the same dream, over and over, night after night. All these dreams usually reflect something that's going on in your life.

By Kelly Williams   Talk to the Author.

Read Full Article:

A Closer Look At Dreaming

Recurring Dreams

I think the majority of people suffer from at least one, and sometimes several, recurring dreams - the same dream, over and over, night after night. For instance, a reader writer: "The only thing that popped into my mind was recurring dreams/nightmares. I have some that I have had all my life. I still have those school dreams where I am unprepared for a big exam, and I have one where, in one form or another, my teeth get loose and start to fall out. Tell me, am I going crazy??"

I can assure you that you're not going crazy. I have three dreams I've had all my life, or at least as far back as i can remember. The main one is, I'm sure, very common. I'm falling - off a cliff, out of the air, down a hill - and I know that, if I hit the ground, I'm going to die. Well, I'm in my sixties and still, thank goodness, alive. However, this dream usually ends with the sensation that the bed jumps. Actually, I think I'm the one who jumps.

My second dream is being chased through this unfamiliar huge old house. I'm not sure who or what is chasing me, but I can't find a way out.

A third dream, and I only have this one occasionally, is this big airplane going over my house and crashing into the field.

Other common recurring dreams include: flying, being unprepared for something, like an exam or a presentation, losing your car, personal injury or losing part of your body, and, another common one, being caught nude in public.

All these dreams usually reflect something that's going on in your life. Worry is one very common cause. It could also be neglect, either of yourself or of someone or something important to you.

Being chased or running away could indicate that you're avoiding some problem or situation that needs to be taken care of.

Falling could show that you're stepping into an unfamiliar situation and you're afraid of failure. The nude in public dream is very similar, and may show fear of embarrassment, or a lack of confidence in some area.

Personal injury or losing body parts, as mentioned by my reader with the teeth falling out, shows you're neglecting something. This may have to do with your body, such as diet or exercise, but could just as well indicate something you've neglected or forgotten elsewhere in your life - relationships, career, etc.

So what can you do to discourage these recurring dreams, or any troublesome dreams for that matter. You could try something called dream control. to do this, you need to remember your dream, and then change the ending or the entire dream so it becomes a pleasant experience.

For instance, the dream of falling could end with a gentle landing on a very soft bed where you drift off to sleep. When being chased, turn and confront whatever's chasing you and discover it's something harmless, maybe even something pleasant.

These are just simple endings. You can no doubt do better. Study your dreams. Try to decipher what they are telling you.

Stopping Dreams

Another reader writes: "I could really use a How to Stop Dreaming right now ;-) It's hopefully temporary for me since I'm just having trouble sleeping while I'm off my thyroid medication in preparation for a nuclear scan, but it happens to most people at times and sure is exhausting when you spend the whole night dreaming. Way too much work!

I'm not sure dreams can be stopped once they start, but if you find the underlying cause, they can be prevented or lessened. Causes could be worry, tension, grief, a medication you're on, illness, or, as above, a medication you've stopped taking.

If you can get rid of whatever has brought the dreams on, then they should be less troublesome. Another way is, again, by dream control. Tell yourself, as you fall asleep, that you will not dream, or that your dreams will be pleasant and short.

However, far better than trying to stop dermas once they have started, is to take measures to control them before they start. Here are a few suggestions on preventing or coping with your dreams:

• Reduce the stress in your life.
• Ask your doctor if any of the medication you're on could cause dreaming.
• Have a physical exam to make sure no underlying illness is the cause of the dreams.
• Avoid over stimulating activity before bed, such as violent TV shows or video games.
• Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.
• If you need a bedtime snack, make it something like milk and crackers rather than greasy, overly sweet treats - potato chips, doughnuts, etc.
• Keep regular hours of sleep. Go to bed about the same time every night.
• Make sure your bedroom is comfortable - not too hot or too cold. Eliminate noise and excess light.
• Try listening to soft, peaceful music as you fall asleep.

Goodnight for now, and sweet dreams.

Reviews for "A Closer Look At Dreaming"

This Article is not reviewed yet.

You can be the first to review this Article.
Writing a review:
In order to write a review you need toLoginfirst.
If you're not yet a member you shouldregisterfirst.
Other user will thank you for your opinion and you will get5 Reward Pointsfor your effort!