Nightmares and teeth grinding

[Silverberry1331]

Hi all,

I have never posted here before, but I thought I would because I am disturbed by my nightmares. Since my AH started having major problems (june) and he moved out (sept), I have been having nightmares.

I went to the dentist recently who recommended a bite guard because I am grinding my teeth in my sleep. I can actually see where I have wore away the points of my incisors and the jagged edges in other places. I sleep with a guard in now...So I have dreams that my teeth are lose and falling out. Sometimes, I dream that my teeth are so lose that they are like a kid on the verge of the tooth fairy visit...OR they are actually coming out...root and all...sick I know.

Also, I have dreams that I am being murdered. Last night, I was at a house with people, and I thought the house was abandoned. Turns out the house was occupied by psychopaths. I proceed to hide, and they find me. They all look like people out of the movie Deliverance. The woman from last night's dream looked like a woman who attends my Al Anon group.

I don't know if anyone has any insight, but it feels good to share. I am now constantly obsessed with the stability of my teeth. I always feel like something is wrong with them (mind you, I have never even had so much as a cavity)...still now I feel like they are lose. Am I obsessing?

Thanks!

[Lilyflower]

Silverberry, If you are still wondering, I wouldn't worry! I grind my teeth in my sleep and sometimes wake up with sore gums/teeth and they feel loose, i have had them checked by a dentist and it is ok. have you visited one and had him check?

The guard should stop any further damage to your teeth now, so if you are still doing this, it would not hurt your teeth nor make them loose.

I think it is just that the gums feel so tender that makes the worry!

I have had some disturbing dreams too since my ex left. I posted in F&F about waking up screaming, well I was screaming in my dream but actually doing it in the 'real' world too and woke myself up. I have woke myself up crying too many many times.

One thing that someone on another forum told me to check out was Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Being in an alcoholic relationship is traumatic, then if you have suffered from the emotional verbal and maybe some physical abuse too, then just add to that trauma!

In times gone by since he left, I have gradually remembered more and more about what he did to me, physically that I blamed myslef for or let him convince me that he only did it because I had done ----. If I hadn't have done he would not have struck out.

Post-traumatic stress disorder Symptoms - Health encyclopaedia - NHS Direct

If it is not PTSD in its full form, it may just be a degree of that. I mean for instance that you are just getting over a major shock to your system in living and dealing with an A. It takes the body and mind a while to come to accept that and to readjust to 'normality'. I know that I am still dealing with over wraught nerves, noise makes me very anxious and anyone who uses a raised voice and I have to leave the room.

Give yourself time to heal and you will see the difference.

Lily xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS I am not a doctor! If you are unsure if you have PTSD or any other anxiety issue, then go see a doctor, they can prescribe some meds to help.