Brief Answer:
Dreams are normal

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

Dreaming is a normal process and mostly occurs during REM stage of sleep. It serves as a memory processing function. It may also be related to place where you are sleeping. Most dreams have no premonition value. So there is no need to interpret these dreams. Even if they carry any premonition value, we cannot stop things from happening (as per premonition). So we can just be relaxed and take life as it comes.

My suggestions are as follows:

- Take dreams as thoughts. We do not act on all thoughts. We only act on useful/good thoughts. Similarly we can ignore weird dreams and only "remember" or give importance to any relevant dream. Sometimes dreams are from past experiences. These happen only to subconsciously let go of any past stress. Dreams do not carry any importance as such. So no need to hold onto dreams and let them go.

- We must enforce sleep hygiene. It includes, sleeping in dark comfortable room, sleep time to be 6-8 hrs, no coffee or tea atleast 4 hrs before sleeping, avoid book reading or any brainy activity atleast 3 hrs before sleep, avoid television or other shows that can have negative impressions on mind.

- Stress management techniques are helpful. Breathing techniques in yoga are effective in stress management.

- If needed, anti-depressant or sleeping pills can be given as last resort. These are available on written prescription only.

Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee

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Brief Answer:
Proper sleep is a must

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

I am quite sure that your parents are ok.

By now you must have realised that these dreams are only disturbing your peace of mind. It has no corelation with real life. Probably your hidden fears are showing up in your dreams. A short course of meditation will help you de-stress. Or atleast you can go to a temple or pray to God to take away the scary dreams from you. This will help psychologically.

Proper sleep is a must to function properly in day. Sleep medicines will only be partially effective. So better stick to sleep hygiene and de-stress.

Dr Vaishalee

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Brief Answer:
Nightmare disorder

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

OK I will describe it in exact medical terms.

Your condition has a name called nightmare disorder. The typical management is as following: follow sleep hygiene. Can put on a dim light during night. Write them down or draw the nightmare pictures to make them less scary. Relaxation therapy, de-stress, hypnotherapy, desensitization. Hypnotherapy and desensitization are carried out by trained psychiatrists.
In such cases obstructive sleep apnea may also be present.

Medicine in not typically given in this disorder.
But if patient insists that he wishes to sleep better, then sleeping medicines are prescribed. Among sleeping medicines, melatonin 3 mg before sleeping for few days is natural supplement to induce sleep. Sleeping pills called benzodiapines can also be given for few days e.g lorazepam is a short acting benzodiazepine. It will require a written prescription. It can also worsen obstructive sleep apnea, if present.

Therefore my suggestion is that you try Tab Melatonin 3 mg before bedtime for 5-7 days. If it does not work then you can visit psychiatrist for a prescription of benzodiazeines.

Hope it answers.

Dr Vaishalee

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