bad dream

[Guest michelle]

Hey guys. Just want to know. Is it normal for an ocd person for always having nightmare? I'm on ocd right now on i'm always dreaming of things i'm scared for several days. Help me please.

[Yrrow]

It is normal for me. The things I worry about frequently appear in my dreams, especially when I am stressed or not getting enough sleep. I think this is where some of my false memories come from as well...nightmares.

[Guest michelle]

I'm having enough sleep tho.

[Yrrow]

I think I tend to remember dreams more when my sleep is fragmented/interrupted...that's all I mean. If I'm obsessing about something all day (and especially before bed), there's a good chance I will dream about it. I think everyone gets dreams like this, but an ocd person probably assigns more meaning to them whereas others may be able to brush them off. I think we tend to catastrophize them. I actually read a study showed how vivid dreams tend to exacerbate OCD symptoms. Perhaps it would help to attempt some relaxation techniques before bed? Maybe think of positive things at night if possible? Easier said than done...