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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 15, 2017 9:33:41 GMT
Hi everyone!-
Anyone else have issues with insomnia? I usually go through long phases of sleeping for 12 or more hours a day. I never feel rested and feel absolutely exhausted all day long. Well, here I am for the second time this week, wide awake. Why does it have to be one extreme or the other.
I personally think that my adrenals are very messed up.
I just started my nasal spray for my mold issue today. I don't think that I have ever used any nasal spray before this. So, this was a fun experience for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as much fun!
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kb69
Junior Member
Posts: 72
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Post by kb69 on Nov 15, 2017 14:45:00 GMT
Hi Little Bear, I'm sorry you're having a hard time with sleep. Feeling rested is so important to our healing, and even more so our mental health and maintaining a positive outlook. I struggle with insomnia, too. I generally feel wiped out by mid-afternoon, but by early evening I am wired. I take melatonin to fall asleep, but can still wake-up once or twice a night thereafter. Last night, I was exhausted at 8:30, fell asleep only to wake-up at 9:30 feeling like I had just had a few espressos. Our bodies are so overloaded and confused by these diseases and the toll they take on our systems. Have you been tested for adrenal dysfunction? I just did the "spit test" with my LLMD and it did show that I have low DHEA, so I am supplementing at a low dose (5mg) with that daily. It's only been a month, and I haven't seen any radical changes from that yet. Nasal sprays! I just started a glutathione nasal spray as my LLMD said it is better absorbed than oral glutathione (but, not as expensive as IV/pushes). So, I'm right there with you -- it's joy! Hang in there!
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 15, 2017 19:26:22 GMT
Hi Little Bear, I'm sorry you're having a hard time with sleep. Feeling rested is so important to our healing, and even more so our mental health and maintaining a positive outlook. I struggle with insomnia, too. I generally feel wiped out by mid-afternoon, but by early evening I am wired. I take melatonin to fall asleep, but can still wake-up once or twice a night thereafter. Last night, I was exhausted at 8:30, fell asleep only to wake-up at 9:30 feeling like I had just had a few espressos. Our bodies are so overloaded and confused by these diseases and the toll they take on our systems. Have you been tested for adrenal dysfunction? I just did the "spit test" with my LLMD and it did show that I have low DHEA, so I am supplementing at a low dose (5mg) with that daily. It's only been a month, and I haven't seen any radical changes from that yet. Nasal sprays! I just started a glutathione nasal spray as my LLMD said it is better absorbed than oral glutathione (but, not as expensive as IV/pushes). So, I'm right there with you -- it's joy! Hang in there! Hi kb69!-
Thank You so much for your response!
I am sorry that you also struggle with insomnia. I have had times in the past that it was a lot worse than it is right now, so I guess I should be thankful. I have heard of people taking melatonin to help with sleeping. I hope that it is helping you somewhat? "Our bodies are so overloaded and confused by these diseases and the toll they take on our systems." YES! I absolutely agree!!!
My hormones were tested in my late teen years (didn't know that I had Lyme at that time). I was hypothyroid, low Progesterone, and low adrenals. I was given thyroid med, Progesterone cream, but I can't remember what the doctor gave me for my adrenals. I remember the doctor showing me the results for my adrenals. The chart showed that my adrenals didn't reach the level of "waking up" until 12:00/ 1:00 P.M.. I am pretty sure that is one of the reasons why it was so difficult for me to force myself out of bed. That was so long ago. LOL!
I had my hormones tested through a spit test in 2014 (still didn't know I had Lyme yet). My tests included: Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, and Cortisol. The only thing that showed up at that time is that I had low Progesterone and low Testosterone. My thyroid was also tested again. I was once again hypothyroid.
I hope that you see some positive changes soon for your low DHEA. I wonder how long it might take to get back to normal level. I suppose, it's hard to say since we are all so different.
Oh, a nasal glutathione spray! I tried the oral glutathione in the past. It tasted like oranges and rotten eggs. Hopefully your nasal spray doesn't have that smell!
My nasal med starts to drain into my throat. That's when I can taste the bitterness and feel it burning my throat. I start to cough and get nauseous. I don't know if this is normal with nasal sprays, since I don't think I have ever used them before. If this continues, maybe I will call my doctor.
Thank You!
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kb69
Junior Member
Posts: 72
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Post by kb69 on Nov 15, 2017 21:27:32 GMT
LB, you just made me laugh out loud. And, I haven't laughed in a few days. So, thank you. Yes, the nasal glutathione smells like rotten eggs. The stuff we subject ourselves to with this disease! It sounds like you've had a lot of testing to date. Are you still supplementing to support your thyroid/adrenals and balance your hormones? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the DHEA helps. I feel like I can't get out of bed when I first wake-up, then I get through morning/early afternoon only to hit late afternoon and completely crash before the bedtime hyperness. It's exhausting not having a normal energy level and sleep routine, so I feel for you. Just one note on the nasal spray, my LLMD said to lay on the side it's squirted into for a few minutes after each dose as that would keep it from draining into my throat. Not sure if it's making a huge difference, but just a thought!
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 15, 2017 22:58:04 GMT
LB, you just made me laugh out loud. And, I haven't laughed in a few days. So, thank you. Yes, the nasal glutathione smells like rotten eggs. The stuff we subject ourselves to with this disease! It sounds like you've had a lot of testing to date. Are you still supplementing to support your thyroid/adrenals and balance your hormones? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the DHEA helps. I feel like I can't get out of bed when I first wake-up, then I get through morning/early afternoon only to hit late afternoon and completely crash before the bedtime hyperness. It's exhausting not having a normal energy level and sleep routine, so I feel for you. Just one note on the nasal spray, my LLMD said to lay on the side it's squirted into for a few minutes after each dose as that would keep it from draining into my throat. Not sure if it's making a huge difference, but just a thought! Hi kb69!-
Oh, NO!!!! You poor thing!!! You deserve many ((( hugs))) for continuing that nasal spray! Hopefully you only have to take it once a day. If I had to take that stuff, I would grab a scented candle or something that smelled good and sniff it after using the spray. Actually, maybe that would make things worse depending on the smell of the candle. I guess I don't know of a smell that would go well with the smell of rotten eggs. LOL!
Yeah, I have had a lot of testing done through my life. I was always looking for answers. Currently, I am only on meds for my thyroid. I am hoping the rest of my hormones will heal once I get all of this mess figured out. I have hopes for this nasal spray. I think I read somewhere that mold issues can affect your adrenals. But, then again what doesn't affect your adrenals.
Please do keep us updated on how the DHEA works for you! I hope it starts working soon!
Thank you for sharing that tip on the nasal spray! I will try that tonight when I take my next snorting secession. I have yet to master the nasal spray. Today, I was having issues with it dripping back out of my nose. So I tried plugging my nose and tipping my head back.
Thank You!
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Post by alyeska on Nov 16, 2017 13:24:13 GMT
Hi everyone!-
Anyone else have issues with insomnia? I usually go through long phases of sleeping for 12 or more hours a day. I never feel rested and feel absolutely exhausted all day long. Well, here I am for the second time this week, wide awake. Why does it have to be one extreme or the other.
I personally think that my adrenals are very messed up.
I just started my nasal spray for my mold issue today. I don't think that I have ever used any nasal spray before this. So, this was a fun experience for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as much fun!
Oh my goodness, that is totally me. Sometimes I take Benadryl because melatonin doesn't seem t help. I know it's not the best thing to do, but I'm desperate. However, sometimes even Benadryl doesn't work, and I'm wired all night anyway. Then I try to sleep a little during the day, but I can never seem to catch up unless I've had two or three wasted days. THEN I'll finally get a decent night's sleep. The insomnia nights are happening more frequently, so my doc wants me in for more blood tests. I'm such a needle-phobe now! I was going to have them Monday, but a little kid was in there screaming the entire time I was in the ozone sauna. I just couldn't. Just psyching myself up to get stuck these days has become a problem. Maybe I can convince myself to do it to day or tomorrow. Ugh.
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Post by alyeska on Nov 16, 2017 13:28:34 GMT
Hi Little Bear, I'm sorry you're having a hard time with sleep. Feeling rested is so important to our healing, and even more so our mental health and maintaining a positive outlook. I struggle with insomnia, too. I generally feel wiped out by mid-afternoon, but by early evening I am wired. I take melatonin to fall asleep, but can still wake-up once or twice a night thereafter. Last night, I was exhausted at 8:30, fell asleep only to wake-up at 9:30 feeling like I had just had a few espressos. Our bodies are so overloaded and confused by these diseases and the toll they take on our systems. Have you been tested for adrenal dysfunction? I just did the "spit test" with my LLMD and it did show that I have low DHEA, so I am supplementing at a low dose (5mg) with that daily. It's only been a month, and I haven't seen any radical changes from that yet. Nasal sprays! I just started a glutathione nasal spray as my LLMD said it is better absorbed than oral glutathione (but, not as expensive as IV/pushes). So, I'm right there with you -- it's joy! Hang in there! I have the same problem with being wired at night. I've always been a night person, but I was always able to overcome it before. I need to be able to be awake during the day when my kids and husband are awake! I'm not sure if I've been tested for Adrenal dysfunction. I do take a supplement called Adrenal by Pure Encapsulations though. It doesn't seem to make much difference in how I sleep whether I take it or not though.
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 16, 2017 20:52:50 GMT
Hi everyone!-
Anyone else have issues with insomnia? I usually go through long phases of sleeping for 12 or more hours a day. I never feel rested and feel absolutely exhausted all day long. Well, here I am for the second time this week, wide awake. Why does it have to be one extreme or the other.
I personally think that my adrenals are very messed up.
I just started my nasal spray for my mold issue today. I don't think that I have ever used any nasal spray before this. So, this was a fun experience for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as much fun!
Oh my goodness, that is totally me. Sometimes I take Benadryl because melatonin doesn't seem t help. I know it's not the best thing to do, but I'm desperate. However, sometimes even Benadryl doesn't work, and I'm wired all night anyway. Then I try to sleep a little during the day, but I can never seem to catch up unless I've had two or three wasted days. THEN I'll finally get a decent night's sleep. The insomnia nights are happening more frequently, so my doc wants me in for more blood tests. I'm such a needle-phobe now! I was going to have them Monday, but a little kid was in there screaming the entire time I was in the ozone sauna. I just couldn't. Just psyching myself up to get stuck these days has become a problem. Maybe I can convince myself to do it to day or tomorrow. Ugh. Hi alyeska!-
I'm sorry to hear that you have issues with insomnia also. I haven't tried Benadryl, but I was on sleeping tablets for quite some time. I stopped taking them because a couple of months ago, they didn't seem to work for me anymore. Also; even though it was a low dose, I didn't want to become addicted.
Oh, no, I am sorry to hear about your needle phobia. And then the kid was screaming while having a blood draw, no wonder you waited! I hope that you will be able to get the lab draw soon. In the past when my veins were tiny and hard to stick, I asked the phlebotomist to please use a butterfly needle. This is a smaller needle. Maybe that would help you also? Is your phobia for all needles?
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Post by acres on Nov 17, 2017 5:04:30 GMT
Hi, I started taking Xanax .25 when I was in the grasp of c diff last year....I just started taking them again (I was nervous about taking them, doc told me it is such a low dose I would never have problem....I do not take what a doctor says as gospel anymore....
They sure work for me....And I am very careful and will not take them 2 days in a row..... I also drink chamomile tea at night which makes me drowsy.... Scott
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 17, 2017 8:44:33 GMT
Hi, I started taking Xanax .25 when I was in the grasp of c diff last year....I just started taking them again (I was nervous about taking them, doc told me it is such a low dose I would never have problem....I do not take what a doctor says as gospel anymore....
They sure work for me....And I am very careful and will not take them 2 days in a row..... I also drink chamomile tea at night which makes me drowsy.... Scott
Hi acres!-
Thank you for your response!
"I do not take what a doctor says as gospel anymore." AMEN to that comment! LOL!
I was also nervous when my doctor prescribed Clonazepam to help me sleep. Clonazepam and Xanax are benzodiazepine meds. I have read that benzodiazepine drugs can become very addictive and very hard to come off the drug for some people.
I am glad to hear that the Xanax is helping you and that you are careful with taking them.
Thank you for the reminder of chamomile tea! I have heard of that helping people relax before bedtime.
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Post by casa11 on Nov 19, 2017 22:36:05 GMT
Hi everyone!-
Anyone else have issues with insomnia? I usually go through long phases of sleeping for 12 or more hours a day. I never feel rested and feel absolutely exhausted all day long. Well, here I am for the second time this week, wide awake. Why does it have to be one extreme or the other.
I personally think that my adrenals are very messed up.
I just started my nasal spray for my mold issue today. I don't think that I have ever used any nasal spray before this. So, this was a fun experience for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be just as much fun!
Hey Little Bear, Sorry you're dealing with insomnia! Has it gotten any better since you first posted ? I've been a lifelong insomniac. Not sure if it's from the Lyme & co's or if that's just me... All I can say is -it SUCKS! I wish I had some kind of secret to share, but I don't. Over the years I've tried just about every thing ( prescription & non, natural, etc. ) and gotten ( for the most part) zero - limited relief. But... I'm quite happy now to have been prescribed hydroxyzine & clonazepam - combined . most nights they give me 2 1/2 hrs sleep. Which , while not nearly enough, is still a lot more than I get without. I was SUPER excited when I actually began dreaming on this combo of meds, b/c that means I'm getting into REM sleep- yippie! Eaither med alone doesn't get me any sleep at all, the combo is definitely needed. I also use headphones & binaural beats to fall asleep & I keep listening to them after I wake back up too. I do think it helps me get more rest than if I'm just sitting here freaking out that I'm not sleeping & dealing with anxiety ... I also do magnesium & melatonin & herbal teas & California poppy & lavender oil and a natural adrenal product & probably some other stuff I'm forgetting at the moment. Hope you've found some relief by now! I wanted to reply earlier, but my brain wouldn't let me...
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 21, 2017 2:18:54 GMT
Hi casa11!-
Thank you for your response!
I just lost my post that I wrote, so I will type another one. LOL! This one will be shorter .
I am so sorry to hear that you have been a lifelong insomniac. (((HUGS!))) I have had times in my past that I would deal with constant insomnia for several months in a row. It is terrible when your body is screaming for sleep that it so desperately needs!!
The last couple of days, I have been sleeping 12- 16 hours a day. This is quite depressing also. I feel like I am just sleeping my life away and I still don't feel rested.
I just want to be able to sleep 8 hours at night and wake up energized and rested.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Clonazepam and hydroxyzine. I am happy too hear that you are having dreams again! YAY!! Hopefully they are good dreams!
Thank you also for listing all the other things you take and do to help with sleep issues. Very much appreciated!
I also have days that my brain doesn't function well.
Thank You!
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Post by deejavu on Nov 21, 2017 12:20:10 GMT
Hi LB,
So sorry for what you are going through as well as others who posted regarding insomnia. When I was sick I slept too many hours and hated it! I guess my body needed all that sleep (this was before I was diagnosed). I had ehrlichiosis and I read that one of the symptoms was extreme fatigue. After I started and finished treatment my energy came back as well as sleeping about 7 hours a night. I go to bed early and get up early.
Years later I had problems when I was going through peri-menopause (glad that's over!). I saw a naturopath who put me on supplements that worked for me.
I wanted to mention that after I take a detox bath (Epsom salts and hydrogen peroxide) I feel soooooo relaxed! I believe it's the magnesium from the salts that relax my body. Also are you taking any B12? B vitamins help relax me as well..
Hope your sleeping patterns return to normal, Denise
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 21, 2017 20:23:40 GMT
Hi Denise!-
Thank you for your response!
I am currently taking a nasal spray for mold issues. From the little bit I have read about mold, is that it can mess up your adrenals. I would like to know what doesn't affect a persons adrenals! LOL!!!
Thank you for mentioning ehrlichiosis. I haven't looked into this infection too much in the past. Although, I have dealt with a lot of those symptoms also (headache, fatigue, muscle aches). But, I very rarely ever get a fever. My body temperature is usually way below normal.
I am so happy that your energy came back and that your sleeping got better after your treatment for ehrlichiosis!!! I am going to mention this to my LLMD when I have my next appointment in DEcember.
I haven't taken a detox bath in quite some time. The last time I tried, I was so physically exhausted that I fell asleep in the tub. I woke up as I was inhaling water. I would do foot soaks, but I have a dog. He would probably try drinking the Epsom salt water. LOL!
I am homozygous MTHFR a1298c. I still don't have the B vitamins figured out yet. So, I just avoid them all together. There is so much that I want to read about and look into more, But it just isn't happening for me right now. Hopefully soon in the near future!
Thank You!
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Nov 21, 2017 21:19:51 GMT
Hi Denise!-
Thank you for your response!
I am currently taking a nasal spray for mold issues. From the little bit I have read about mold, is that it can mess up your adrenals. I would like to know what doesn't affect a persons adrenals! LOL!!!
Thank you for mentioning ehrlichiosis. I haven't looked into this infection too much in the past. Although, I have dealt with a lot of those symptoms also (headache, fatigue, muscle aches). But, I very rarely ever get a fever. My body temperature is usually way below normal.
I am so happy that your energy came back and that your sleeping got better after your treatment for ehrlichiosis!!! I am going to mention this to my LLMD when I have my next appointment in DEcember.
I haven't taken a detox bath in quite some time. The last time I tried, I was so physically exhausted that I fell asleep in the tub. I woke up as I was inhaling water. I would do foot soaks, but I have a dog. He would probably try drinking the Epsom salt water. LOL!
I am homozygous MTHFR a1298c. I still don't have the B vitamins figured out yet. So, I just avoid them all together. There is so much that I want to read about and look into more, But it just isn't happening for me right now. Hopefully soon in the near future!
Thank You!
Hi LB, I'm sure that you have read a ton of article, but I did want to see if you have read this one? : mthfr.net - a1298c I also found this one helpful in understanding some things too, maybe it will help for you too? : mthfr.net - 20 questions, a1298c I know for me that when I started using the methyl B's, detoxing was easier, although I'm not sure what mutations I have, as I have not been tested, I only went by my symptoms, and the fact that trying to use cyano B-12 as an injection to raise my low B-12 status only made me need to take a 1 hour nap every day! I stopped those and noticed a difference quickly after adding the methyl B-12. Then I added in the methyl folate and it wasn't long and I realized I was detoxing easier - not to mention all the benefits of actually absorbing those B vitamins!!! LOL! I have one dog that just LOVES the smell of the Epsom salt water! Ha ha ha!!! He's had a few drinks of it a few times - and I just understood that it may give him diarrhea, so I watched the door and him closely! LOL ! One step at a time though - I know you will get it figured out!
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Post by casa11 on Nov 22, 2017 1:55:22 GMT
Hi casa11!-
Thank you for your response!
I just lost my post that I wrote, so I will type another one. LOL! This one will be shorter .
I am so sorry to hear that you have been a lifelong insomniac. (((HUGS!))) I have had times in my past that I would deal with constant insomnia for several months in a row. It is terrible when your body is screaming for sleep that it so desperately needs!!
The last couple of days, I have been sleeping 12- 16 hours a day. This is quite depressing also. I feel like I am just sleeping my life away and I still don't feel rested.
I just want to be able to sleep 8 hours at night and wake up energized and rested.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Clonazepam and hydroxyzine. I am happy too hear that you are having dreams again! YAY!! Hopefully they are good dreams!
Thank you also for listing all the other things you take and do to help with sleep issues. Very much appreciated!
I also have days that my brain doesn't function well.
Thank You!
hi Little Bear! Thanks for the hugs! I'll send some right back to you too!
Sleeping for for so long and still feeling unrested sounds awful!
I did go through some of that at my worst point too, but it didn't even feel like sleep.more like my body just shut down... sometimes like a paralysis type deal- there were no dreams & definitely didn't feel rested! Ugh!
I hope you're able to get things figured out soon, so you can get some real rest & wake up refreshed! Ps. Yes, I'm usually pleasantly surprised that my dreams are good ( if bizarre sometimes...)
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Post by casa11 on Nov 22, 2017 2:03:49 GMT
Oops, sorry Little Bear! I was trying to quote you & then reply UNDER your quote, but I'm still getting used to how it all works & I totally messed it up... I tried to edit & fix it, but I'm doing all this on my phone & it just wasn't cooperating.
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 28, 2017 8:06:44 GMT
Hi casa11!-
Thank you for your response! Thank you for the hugs!
I get that feeling a lot. When it feels like you are paralyzed. I get it mostly when I wake up from a long nap. It takes me anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour before I have enough energy to move. I know that I'm not paralyzed, but my fatigue is so overwhelming.
It does feel like my body shut down, just like you said. I remember my last day of work (this was before I knew I had Lyme). My body and brain just shut down. I was no longer able to keep functioning.
I am so happy to hear that your dreams are good dreams. I have had some very bad vivid dreams through my treatments. Sometimes I woke myself up because I was sobbing and crying. I don't know why I can't ever have happy dreams, like that I won the lottery or I am on vacation in Hawaii. That would be soooo nice! LOL!
No worries about the quoting thing...... it's all good. I was able to read your post.
Thank You!
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Post by Admin/ Traveler on Nov 28, 2017 20:23:31 GMT
I have a lot of trouble with those very vivid bad dreams too. I have for most of my life, actually, but it got bad as stress on my body got worse. Each time I was pregnant, I would have these horrid dreams about car accidents and kids being in those cars - and I dream in full color as well. I was afraid to sleep for a while when I was pregnant with my daughter, the oldest, but the third pregnancy. Now, I have to say that my dreams are only little snippets, and they are more weird than disturbing. With only remembering snippets, none of my dreams make any sense - last night all I recall was a discussion with hubby about eating eggs. LOL. The night before, I remember something about my dog and his meds. I know I don't get into REM sleep enough (due to my adrenal & thyroid issues - not to mention how these infections mess with that), and that's likely why I don't dream so much. I'm hoping the fact that I have snippets of dreams now means that I'm getting closer - don't tell me if it doesn't mean that though (LOL) I need to be able to hope that I'll be able to get into REM sleep again!! (rolf)
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Post by Little Bear (LB) on Nov 29, 2017 10:55:00 GMT
I have a lot of trouble with those very vivid bad dreams too. I have for most of my life, actually, but it got bad as stress on my body got worse. Each time I was pregnant, I would have these horrid dreams about car accidents and kids being in those cars - and I dream in full color as well. I was afraid to sleep for a while when I was pregnant with my daughter, the oldest, but the third pregnancy. Now, I have to say that my dreams are only little snippets, and they are more weird than disturbing. With only remembering snippets, none of my dreams make any sense - last night all I recall was a discussion with hubby about eating eggs. LOL. The night before, I remember something about my dog and his meds. I know I don't get into REM sleep enough (due to my adrenal & thyroid issues - not to mention how these infections mess with that), and that's likely why I don't dream so much. I'm hoping the fact that I have snippets of dreams now means that I'm getting closer - don't tell me if it doesn't mean that though (LOL) I need to be able to hope that I'll be able to get into REM sleep again!! (rolf) Hi Traveler!-
Thank you for you response!
WOW! Your dreams sound horrible.
I also dream in full color, I have from a very young age.
Oh, that must have been a very important discussion about eating eggs! LOL!!! I wonder what the meaning of this dream would be? Most of my dreams are too weird to have any meaning to them.
I also hope that you get REM sleep again!
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