Violent Outbursts During Sleep - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Message Board

sweetbelky · 10-28-2003, 09:16 PM

When I am awake, I am a very kind and gentle person. However, I am totally different in my sleep. I have nightmares and violent outbursts in my sleep on a frequent basis, sometimes every night for a week, sometimes less. I also talk A LOT in my sleep, usually saying defensive things like, "Stop treating me this way!" or "I have a right to stand up for myself!" and sometimes even curse (which I never do awake). The other night I woke up from the self-inflicted pain of me clenching my shoulder so tightly that it almost left a bruise. I hardly ever remember the violence, but my husband tells me about it when I wake up. It's not just jerking around, it's actual hitting and kicking. I have bruised my husband on several occasions and even busted his lip once. I feel so bad for all this, and I am afraid of what else I might do in my sleep. I have experienced different types of abuse throughout my life (but not from my husband), so I am thinking a lot of my behavior is related to the abuse, as in PSTD.

So far, I have not been able to find any information on my particular circumstances. Can anyone here relate to what I'm dealing with?

sniffy · 11-06-2003, 08:10 PM

Hi Cathy

I can't relate to exactly how you feel. I don't get outbursts in my sleep but I do talk...a lot and I have wicked nightmares filled with violence, death and gore. Always someone trying to hurt me or kill me. Nightmares are a big part of ptsd. It sounds to me like you are just acting out your nightmares.

Do you see a therapist? I was abused big time when I was a kid and the therapy has helped me so much. Flashbacks, nightmares and memories are getting less frequent.

Good luck to you
heather