Counsel #24 — Beyond Frightful Dreams

Picture: Counsel #24 — Beyond Frightful DreamsCWe 131.1

Frightening dreams at night can cause not only daytime worry and anxiety but also fragmented sleep. People who experience frequent nightmares often struggle to fall back asleep after waking from a scary dream, leading to sleep anxiety—a fear of going to sleep due to anticipated distressing dreams. This fear can contribute to insomnia and extreme daytime sleepiness.CWe 131.2

Recurring nightmares can also worsen cognitive function, increase feelings of fear and helplessness, and intensify existing mental health conditions. To lessen the impact of nightmares on sleep, try incorporating regular exercise, Bible reading, or meditation into your routine. Speaking with a therapist can also help explore any connections between nightmares and past experiences, potentially reducing their frequency. If nightmares occur more than once a week, happen around the same time each night, or significantly affect your mood, sleep, and daily activities, consider seeking medical help for additional support.^{[142]https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2023/january/a-hard-day-s-night-when-you-can-t-get-the-sleep-/}CWe 131.3

And talk to God about your nightmares! Ask Him specifically to give you peace and freedom from nightmares and anxiety.CWe 131.4

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7 NIVCWe 131.5

“I awoke in agony of mind and could hardly convince myself that I had been dreaming. It seemed to me that my doom was fixed, that the Spirit of the Lord had left me, never to return.” Ellen White in Early Writings, p. 42CWe 131.6

Reflect: How often do you have nightmares?CWe 131.7