I also can't remember a "normal" night of restful sleep. Haven't had one in years.

Usually when I have an unsettling dream, (not nightmare) I try to key in on the physical feelings or predominant people in the dream to try and figure out what the issue may be.

I agree it is an indicator of something disturbing you either in your daily grind or from your subconscious from your past that has been triggered unknowingly.

When I realize for example, In the dream I am feeling it difficult to get a breath or breathe it possibly indicates a reflection to two of the situations of my abuse OR my asthma is bothering me and I haven't noticed.

If a person in the dream is acting a certian way, doing certian things, or is someone I know, I again look for the parallels. I try to identify what it is that stands out - Past or present?

I have found if I can identify the specifics it lowers my anxiety and I can reduce my hypervigilence. When the dreams become uncomfortable and I don't know why I will avoid sleep rather than getting hit over and over with the unknown. NOT HEALTHY.

Hope this helps.