I take Valerian with a spoonful of honey for sleep. Otherwise I think I hear noises all night. You might want to look in to taking a self-defense class. Would it also help to write down your dreams? I read a theory that we have nightmares in order to learn how to deal with dangerous situations, you might want to try thinking about nightmares in a good way, like a tool. Sometimes writing them down takes away their power.

Have you tried Yoga.. I know it might sound silly but it may help... Also my husband was given Transadone.. it has been working much better the last few weeks.. good luck..I also like the idea of a dream journal..

I tried yoga and learned meditative things. A self defense class may help rechannel the energy like chelsa said. Good luck hun-try to THINK on good things-whatever is true, beautiful, lovely, for now. *hugs*

Hi sister. I like your screen name. :-) Fear is a natural protective response, and fear of being alone with men is understandable. Don't be hard on yourself for it - It's okay to be looking out for yourself. I love the idea of a self-defense class, because when you become more confident you can protect yourself, the fear will fade.

The hard part with nightmares is how real they feel. When you wake up from one, definitely write it down in all the detail you can remember... then put it away. Once it's written down, your mind won't have to focus on it anymore. Then you should take a quiet moment to remind yourself that you are safe in the present. Someone here said they repeat, "That was then, this is now," and I've started doing that, too. It really helps me reconnect with the present.
When you get yourself back into the present, affirm that you are safe and will sleep peacefully the rest of the night. Then lie back down and make up a pleasant story that you can think about until it turns itself into into a happy dream.

Also, know that you're not alone. Others of us deal with the same things. You can always come on here for some hugs. Here's one now ~

Hugs,
Wistala