Im sure there could be all sorts of valid answers to this in the spiritual realm, I'm not qualified to go there really. I believe the origins of the word 'nightmare' relate to a mythical creature that comes in the night, sits on our chest and tries to paralyse and suffocate, bringing with it feelings of terror. So this must be a very common human experience, to which most people can easily relate.

Arising as it does, out of our nervous system, there may be strong physiological elements to why this happens with excessive frequency. Sources of dis-ease can be summed up by three headings - stress (many kinds), toxicity (many kinds), and deficiency (not getting what you need).

The first two can be a bit complex to unravel from here. As far as deficiency goes, a quick google brings up B vitamins and magnesium, hinting that a programme of supplementation might be in order. Better still, see a nutritionist and get a proper makeover. If you are under stress already, this is all the more important. In any case, it seems unlikely that being properly nourished can make it worse.

Lastly, don't forget breathing pattern disorders. There may be various reasons for, say, sleep apnoea (you can look that up) and various solutions. If there is a case of mild tendency to hyperventillate that could disrupt the blood chemistry at night and have all sorts of strange effects, hence might be worth considering some breathing exercises. I recommend a book - 'breathing free' by Theresa Hale.

Hope that's a start.

Hi there

Wow, this sounds so upsetting and the fact that you have experienced it before must make your heart sink when this happened. I don't know anything about the suibject really, and sure others on the forum will be better equipped to advise - my only thoughts are about developing a bedtime routine that emphasises self-love and self-care. Also perhaps inclusion of purification rituals may appeal to you? I heard about one whereby you sing and drum in the room to purify it after a bad experience, which may not be everybody's cup of tea, but is mine.

I will watch replies with interest.

Good luck and best wishes

I wasn't going to interpret your dream because I understand how distressing it can be and I don't know if the dream you had in Lincolnshire followed the same pattern.

Nightmares follow the same interpretation rules as any other dream and therefore should never be taken for a litteral meaning. Each dream should be seen by their elements and how those elements relate to each other. Remember it's your subconscious that's driving the dream and therefore has a different conceptualisation of reality.

So the elements of this dream are the covers and the undefined presence in the room. Their relationship was your feelings and inability to move.

The covers were first moved over you against your will and then removed from you against your will. This is central to understanding the dream and how it relates to you. The covers are seen as your dignity, covered and safe, uncovered and vulnerable. Normally one would think being covered is a state you want to be in, but this controlling influence even controls your safety. So this is an extremely strong infuence and if it's similar to your experiences in Lincolnshire, then it's possible that this influence or characteristic has been been with you for most of your life. If the originals dreamms started between your 30th and 33rd years, then it's likely that you are being held be a childhood experience. If they started earlier than your 30th year it's like to be some characteristic that is troubling you, i.e. you hide it, or can't live with it out in the open.

However, there is unsettled business that needs to be put right and it again has been triggered. The clue could be relationship changes, but the dream doesn't say that.

The undefined presence in the room is interesting because it's a reinforcing element, i.e. reinforcing your experience with the covers. The presence is part of you, your fear. It may be triggered by a person, experience and situation. But it's a fear of recognition, you are scared because it scared you before, not because it's a new fear. So if something takes these covers away, it must be something bad. As opposed to being scares of what might happen if the covers are removed.

So what does it all mean?

It seems to me that it's a past experience where you were intensely control and you dignity was removed, and something has happened recently that's raised some flags of recollection so you have the fear of the fear.

I also think that to deal with this fear is going to be a painful experience and reveal memories that you've put to one side for a long time.

I'm sorry it's not a more positive interpretation, but it's how I see the dream.

Myarka

I'm not experienced in dream interpretation, but send you Love, Light and Healing in the hope that things will improve for you. Not a nice situation for you!

Hi Beth
I have had sleep paralysis on and off for many years and can empathize with you on how terrifying some of these experiences can be. Feeling a presence in the room or experiencing something sinister is quite common.
I kept a journal for a while and found certain things could trigger an episode.

1. stress or anxiety
2. eating chocolate late at night
3. eating a heavy meal past 8 o clock
4. not eating anything at all all day
5.dehydration
6.menstruating

try keeping a log each time it happens and see if anything in your daily or nightly activities could be contributing to the problem.

hope this helps x