Newbie question - PTSD and Lucid dreams

I joined this forum because a friend of mine suggested that I try lucid dreaming to help cope with the nightmares I have due to PTSD. I have pretty much dealt with all my other PTSD symptoms (went through therapy), but every night I have 3-4 horrible flashbacks in my dreams, resulting in a lot of waking up and very little rest. When I wake up from these nightmares, I'm always disoriented--I usually think the trauma is taking place again, and it takes me awhile before I realize that I am safe.

Lucid dreaming sounds like a good way to reclaim my dreams.

Does anyone know if Lucid dreaming works with PTSD? I've checked out some books on lucid dreaming, but they don't mention it. I'm particularly worried that by blurring the line between consciousness and dreaming, I'll start having flashbacks during the day.

What do you mean "blurring the line" between consciousness and dreaming?

My advice (taken from Stephen LaBerge) is to discuss LDing with your therapist, if you have one. LDing is harmless in general, but no one really knows how it might affect people with certain psychological disorders.

I actually started LDing for the same reason.

I had had PTSD nightmares so bad that I was afraid to sleep, so my Dr. put me on "minipress." THis was about 5 years ago. It got rid of the nightmares, but had other side effects. So, about 8 months ago I dicided that I was in a place in my life where I was ready to tackle the nightmares head on. So, with the help of my Dr. I began reducing the minipress, which caused the nightmares to come back a little bit at a time.

In those 8 months I have made a TON of progress using LDing. I actually expect that when I completely stop taking minipress next month (or so) that I won't have any more PTSD nightmares. I feel finally that I have made peace with what happened and like I am now fully free to move on with my life.

During these 8 months I have had only a few (3) very mild flash-backs during my waking hours. I don't know where you are on your flash-backs, but that is actually less than what I am used to having. However, I don't know how you will respond to LDing.

But, yes. It is completely possible to see real progress using LDs. I had a huge head-start, since I have had LDs naturally since I was a kid.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

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Originally Posted by Thelittlepotato

Does anyone know if Lucid dreaming works with PTSD?

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My friend had the seem issue about her trauma. Lucid dreaming helps keep her mind of nightmares, which in the end helps reduce them. She actually was lucid in her nightmare once, and turned it into a happy dream... So it is possible.. just check with your therapist.

:welcome: to DreamViews!