I can honestly never remember having a good nights sleep.
Since the age of five, I have suffered from terribly violent nightmares. Often, I see terrible murders, abuse, or other acts of violence as clearly as if I am watching television. My parents first took me to see a sleep therapist at the age of six, who was very disturbed that such a young girl was describing such graphic scenes. The dreams are usually a accompanied by sweating and fits of screaming or crying, and I often in a strange state of semi- consciousness in the first five minutes after an episode. The worst dreams happen 5-6 times a month, often several nights in a row. Otherwise, i simply cant fall asleep, or wake up constantly throughout the night.
I am now 23, and have been on more anti-psychotics and sleep meds than i can count. I have even been to see psychics and energy healers, trying to find some answer to why these vivid dreams are so prevalant in my life. I am now an ivy league law student, and, undeniably, the lack of sleep is affecting my concentration. It was also partially responsible for my break up with my fiance - when I did not sleep, or woke up screaming, he lost sleep as well. How can two people maintian a relationship when they are both tired and irritable all of the time?
I am not sure there are any answers for what is wrong with me, but there are things i have seen in my dreams that rival the worst that hollywood has to offer. If anyone has any ideas, I am willing to try them - anything to not be afraid of falling asleep!