Question How Do You All Handle The Dark? - Page 3

rt1967 · #21 10-03-2008, 08:25 AM

i either mostly don't like the dark i barracade things in or i couldn't give a flying F>>>>

Cindy · #22 12-03-2008, 10:46 AM

A few years ago, I totally avoided sleep. No way would I let those flashbacks or nightmares come and get me. End result, CRASH #3. Well, some coping strategies just don't work do they ...

Medications, grounding techniques, 2 AM - that magic time of night that the world explodes - what is it with that time? (me too, then up until 5 with one more hour of sleep).

I finally figured out leaving the lights on helped me. When I come out of a flashback or wake in a nightmare it helps me to ground faster to be able to immediately see my surroundings and look at my cue board where I place the date , current pictures of family and friends, and places that I feel safe.

Sleep is important, but I haven't had comfortable sleep in years. Once in a while when I'm away from home near the ocean or in a rain storm next to the window or in a tent.

If you sleep alone lights are no problem. If not buy them an eye mask.

Anonymoose · #23 18-03-2008, 08:22 AM

I usually keep the TV or music on all night. I also have a small salt lamp that serves as a night light. I use the Badger Bedtime Bar soap in the shower before settling down for the evening. I have a neck cushion called the RelaxR that gently stretches and relaxes my neck. These things help but I still suffer from insomnia and wake repeatedly from horrific nightmares. In November I witnessed a suicide in the evening and now I usually can't get to sleep until the sun rises.

Anonymoose · #24 18-03-2008, 08:24 AM

I am grateful for:
-My new North Face hoodie - it's light and warm and was given with love
-Domino's thin crust pizza with bacon and pineapple, eaten with a Coke
-Jerry Garcia/Grateful Dead music
-sunshine
-sexual pleasure

EmoxxKid · #25 18-03-2008, 09:09 AM

I didn't read through all of these so I am not sure if what I am going to suggest has been written, so forgive me if it has.

I say...why sleep in total darkness!? You are a grown man...you can have a night light if you want! If you can handle it I would say ...sleep with a radio very low....perhaps a calming music cd?

I know it's hard....I have to sleep with a tv blaring every night...my wife does not like it...but she deals.

JustJane · #26 18-03-2008, 03:27 PM

I am more comfortable in darkness. Was never in the military or combat, so can't associate it with that, but I do prefer darkness. This is another area where I have been "labeled" abnormal. I prefer to be in a darkened room, not only do not like light, it hurts my eyes.

I like being in a completely dark house but with street light on outside or a full moon. I also like to look at the stars.

I too, have a gun.

And a fierce beast to keep me safe.