Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Was Previously Deployed And It Was A Pretty Well
Question: I was previously deployed and it was a pretty well deployment nothing bad happened. Though every night I have the same nightmare over and over. I can wake up from my sleep and go back and I'm having it again. is there anything I can do?
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for sending the query.
Nightmares are not unusual if you were involved in an experience that put a unique stress upon your body and mind. I imagine a deployment to a place far from home can put this type of stress on you - no matter what type of events may have happened during deployment.
I feel your brain is most likely processing this memory or event in such a way that it remains in your short term conscious memory and when you go to sleep it emerges while you are unconscious.
Probably the most beneficial thing to do wouold be to schedule a session or group of sessions with a skilled psychologist who can help you understand these things in more detail and more importantly help you work on strategy of minimizing the impact these nightmares will have upon you. Eventually you will not have these nightmares in my opinion - it is a matter of finding the right path to take to emerge from the cycle you have been experiencing.
Part of any general health recommendation would of course be - a healthy and well balanced diet, adequate sleep - 5-7 hours at least, healthy exercise 45 mins to one hour of dedicated exercise/yoga/meditation 4-5 times per week. Lastly - would suggest minimizing or decreasing exposure to media, television, computers, video games and or social media - particularly 1-2 hours before going to sleep.
Thanks again for sending the query. I wish you all the best and continued optimal health.
Sincerely,
Dr. XXXXXXX
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for sending the query.
Nightmares are not unusual if you were involved in an experience that put a unique stress upon your body and mind. I imagine a deployment to a place far from home can put this type of stress on you - no matter what type of events may have happened during deployment.
I feel your brain is most likely processing this memory or event in such a way that it remains in your short term conscious memory and when you go to sleep it emerges while you are unconscious.
Probably the most beneficial thing to do wouold be to schedule a session or group of sessions with a skilled psychologist who can help you understand these things in more detail and more importantly help you work on strategy of minimizing the impact these nightmares will have upon you. Eventually you will not have these nightmares in my opinion - it is a matter of finding the right path to take to emerge from the cycle you have been experiencing.
Part of any general health recommendation would of course be - a healthy and well balanced diet, adequate sleep - 5-7 hours at least, healthy exercise 45 mins to one hour of dedicated exercise/yoga/meditation 4-5 times per week. Lastly - would suggest minimizing or decreasing exposure to media, television, computers, video games and or social media - particularly 1-2 hours before going to sleep.
Thanks again for sending the query. I wish you all the best and continued optimal health.
Sincerely,
Dr. XXXXXXX
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
