How to Sleep After a Terrifying Nightmare?

i usually journal about it and feel all the feelings and then do something to relax and distract myself until i get sleepy again and then try to sleep again. sometimes it doesn’t work but that’s what i usually do to try and help myself

I go on a walk to ground myself in reality.

Oh and the “Protection Mantra” on YouTube is on point!

Ya I don’t sleep well when that happens and usually end up staying up all night after that

Honestly? I say the “Our Father” prayer over and over. Works like a charm for me, it may help you! 🙏🏻🥰

Depends on the person, for example, I had the same nightmare 2 days in a row, waking up in the middle of the night sweating, while being stabbed in my dreams, my heart racing, looking around my room in the dark, and telling my safe it's just a dream. I'm mostly a logical person so usually when I wake up from a nightmare I say "It was a dream, and it wasn't real" then after 10-15 minutes I can go back to sleep without having the dream again.

Meds and a call to one of my bestfriends if they are awake. Specific playlists. A hot shower.

I will sleep with the lights on, not sure why but it makes me feel safe. And sometimes maybe watch a short funny tv episode like Friends or something so you have happier thoughts before falling asleep again.

Talk about it and remind myself it wasn’t real

^^^ @oliloos that is super super helpful too !!

I have nightmares like that near daily. Usually, I write down somewhere (usually on my phone) what happened in my dream and cry out every emotion from my system till I pass out. I don’t know if that’s healthy to do, however. I’d recommend trying to distract yourself with content/activities that make you feel happy till you’re ready to sleep.