can't sleep again, cold sweats, nightmares and insomnia is back. Think it was triggered over the holidays and stress from a family medical issue .... so I started self medicating again.

currently taking melatonin and valerian root. the girl picked up some jasmine and lavender oils to try and help, but last night I slept for maybe 2 hours woke soaked in sweat and madder than snot that sleep is not coming... nightmares are crazy ...

Hi Frog,

Be gentle with yourself: "self-medicating" using natural medicines is cool-to me "self Medicating" means abusive behavior that isolates me more and aggravates the harm of the original abuse!

I relate to the family stress over the holidays, etc. I hope your nightmares are a RELEASING and not a continuous revisiting of trauma.

I'm working out 5 times a week now, that works for helping me get restful sleep and be more positive during the day. Exercise is one of my "self -medicating" behaviors today.

the nightmares are not related to the trauma ... weird, wild twisted images and actions ... death, fear and a host of other topics in them ... I can't pin point their genesis, so I am trying to cut out outside influences, such as movies, media inputs and such as I am thinking they may be influencing/triggering these nightmares ... I know the world is not a safe place, and to have constant inputs of the mayhem is maddening, I need some happy/positive inputs ...

Frog,

Finding peace and restful sleep is illusive at best for survivors.
Thank you for sharing, and may you find slumber, dear brother.

Sam

ain't that the truth Sam ...