[emlis22]

Not really sure if this is the right place to ask, but I have to start somewhere.

About 3 years ago when I moved into a new house I started waking up in the middle of the night, thinking that somebody was standing over me. It was terrifying, and I used to jump out of bed and turn the light on in a panic.

When I got together with my DP, the same thing happened when I stayed at his house (so I don't think its just that house IYKWIM). One night, I screamed so loudly that I woke up his housemate in the other end of the house, and my DP jumped over me, swinging punches thinking somebody was there.

Now we've moved into our own home, and it's still happening. Sometimes I'm calm about it, sometimes I will just gasp and maybe mumble a few things, like NO!, and others, like last night, I let out a piercing scream. But it's ALWAYS the same scenario of somebody standing over me.

I'm at my wits end, and my DP is getting frustrated as well. I don't know where to start. My mum is quite spiritual and has offered to get someone in to cleanse the house - but given that it's happened at 3 places, I don't know if that will help.

Should I start with the GP? Has anyone had any similar experiences? I can't put it down to a trauma of any kind either if that's what you're thinking.

TIA.

ETA: this is happening 5 nights of the week, not just every now and then.

This post has been edited by emlis22: 26/11/2012, 01:16 PM

[Escapin]

It sounds awful. I would talk to you GP and get a referral to a sleep specialist. They might want to do a sleep study or be able to suggest some options to help. Good luck, you must be exhausted.

[Riotproof]

You poor thing, that sounds dreadful.

Have you tried looking up meanings of elements of the dream?

like
Sleeping
To dream that you are sleeping denotes peace of mind. Alternatively, it means that you are ignorant of the conditions and circumstances around you. If you are sleeping with a stranger, then it suggests that you are avoiding some issue or situation that is being symbolized by the stranger. Perhaps you are refusing to recognize a negative or hidden aspect of yourself. Sleeping may also be synonymous with death in that it beckons renewal and new beginnings.

Stranger
To see a stranger in your dream signifies a part of yourself that is repressed and hidden. Alternatively, it symbolizes the archetypal dream helper who is offering you insight and advice.

Scared
To dream that you are scared indicates that you are experiencing feelings of self-doubt, incompetence, and lack of control in your waking life. Perhaps you are having second thoughts about a decision you have made. Anger often masquerades as fear, so also consider issues about which you are angry about in your waking life.

From here http://dreammoods.com

[Becky Thatcher]

Do you know what I think it is? Panic attacks when you sleep. Discuss it with the doc, a small dose of anti-depressants might work wonders.This happened to me, not so much the thought of someone being over me, but the gasping. Happened every night and a few times a night and i know it makes you scared to go to sleep.
Otherwise with the gasping look at sleep apnoea.

Please don't wast your money on spiritual cleansing.

[PrincessPeach]

Think a trip to the GP might be in order, but i'd be inclined to take your mum up on her offer first. It will be the least invasive I think.

My dad has diagnosed PTSD (courtesy of the vietnam war) & he constantly calls out in his sleep. It is also increadibly possible that you don't remember the traumatic event that causes your night terrors - the human brain will block out a traumatic event in order for "protection".

[qak]

It does sound awful, especially as it is so often.

When I get stressed, and even when I get overheated in bed, I get bad dreams, and will call out.

[~Jot~]

You poor thing, that sounds dreadful.

Have you tried looking up meanings of elements of the dream?

like
Sleeping
To dream that you are sleeping denotes peace of mind. Alternatively, it means that you are ignorant of the conditions and circumstances around you. If you are sleeping with a stranger, then it suggests that you are avoiding some issue or situation that is being symbolized by the stranger. Perhaps you are refusing to recognize a negative or hidden aspect of yourself. Sleeping may also be synonymous with death in that it beckons renewal and new beginnings.

Stranger
To see a stranger in your dream signifies a part of yourself that is repressed and hidden. Alternatively, it symbolizes the archetypal dream helper who is offering you insight and advice.

Scared
To dream that you are scared indicates that you are experiencing feelings of self-doubt, incompetence, and lack of control in your waking life. Perhaps you are having second thoughts about a decision you have made. Anger often masquerades as fear, so also consider issues about which you are angry about in your waking life.

From here http://dreammoods.com

Wow interesting!

I just wanted to say, I know how you feel OP. I have the same problem. Usually it's pretty rare, once a month or so, but it's been every night for the past week! I don't scream loudly, I gasp or yell NO or give a little yelp. Sometimes I'll take a swing at the 'shadow' But I have a very clear dream of someone coming into the room and leaning over me before I wake up. I think the pregnancy hormones are amping up the dreams right now.

This post has been edited by ~Jot~: 26/11/2012, 10:50 AM

[Magnus]

I think you should start with your GP too. It sounds like it could be night terrors, or another sleep issue, so you could get referred to a sleep lab.

Or it could be a psychological issue like anxiety or trauma that is interfering with your sleep.

[CherryAmes]

Maybe google "sleep paralysis". I've had a few times where I've been awake but unable to move and feel as though someone is pressing on my chest. It's where the paralysis part of sleeping stays but you're awake - apparently it's the origin of all sorts of mythology. It can be in isolation or related to other sleeping issues, so maybe chat to your GP about it.

[emlis22]

Thank you all for the responses so far. Yes, it's terribly exhausting, and given I share a bed, it's not just me who is waking up night after night.

I've managed to get an appt with the GP for this afternoon, so I hopefully make a start on this!