Unable to turn lights on

[Cupelix]

I don't often have nightmares but the theme is usually the same. I've experienced this since I was very young. I will be in a regular place, usually at home or some other day to day place. Suddenly I'll notice that none of the lights are on and it's very dark, or dimly lit in the room. When I go to flip a switch, nothing happens. A couple seconds later I go into full-on panic. I feel trapped and get a dreadful feeling that something terrible is about to happen. But at the same time, as soon as I notice nothing is happening when I hit the switch, I know I'm dreaming and wake up.

Sometimes, someone I know is present a few feet away and if I try to scream for help, my mouth moves but there is no sound, I don't feel my vocal chords move.

Has anyone else had this dream? Anyone want to speculate on what it means?

[Wolfjk]

Originally Posted by Cupelix

I don't often have nightmares but the theme is usually the same. I've experienced this since I was very young. I will be in a regular place, usually at home or some other day to day place. Suddenly I'll notice that none of the lights are on and it's very dark, or dimly lit in the room. When I go to flip a switch, nothing happens. A couple seconds later I go into full-on panic. I feel trapped and get a dreadful feeling that something terrible is about to happen. But at the same time, as soon as I notice nothing is happening when I hit the switch, I know I'm dreaming and wake up.

Sometimes, someone I know is present a few feet away and if I try to scream for help, my mouth moves but there is no sound, I don't feel my vocal chords move.

Has anyone else had this dream? Anyone want to speculate on what it means?

Hi,
Your dream is another version of the common sleep paralysis dream.
The dream means that you are uncomfortable and need to move into a more comfortable position, or wake up. The dream does it by making you move your arm to switch the light on, when that does not work, the dream frightens you awake by making you panic.
Cheers Wolfjk

[Cupelix]

Interesting. I did a bit of reading on that and it sort of makes sense. I don't get the feeling of being paralyzed. The panic doesn't set in until I flip the switch and the light doesn't come on. They say trying to turn on a light is a good test to see if you're dreaming. Well when I do that, I'm not aware I'm dreaming until the light doesn't turn on. I'm not conciously trying to test myself, I just want the light on. That's the part I don't get, because I don't panic until I become aware I'm dreaming. It's as if for some reason, becoming aware of being in a dream triggers the panic. But I've been aware I was dreaming before and it didn't terrify me. Like I've associated those specific conditions with something bad happening.

[Wolfjk]

Originally Posted by Cupelix

Interesting. I did a bit of reading on that and it sort of makes sense. I don't get the feeling of being paralyzed. The panic doesn't set in until I flip the switch and the light doesn't come on. They say trying to turn on a light is a good test to see if you're dreaming. Well when I do that, I'm not aware I'm dreaming until the light doesn't turn on. I'm not conciously trying to test myself, I just want the light on. That's the part I don't get, because I don't panic until I become aware I'm dreaming. It's as if for some reason, becoming aware of being in a dream triggers the panic. But I've been aware I was dreaming before and it didn't terrify me. Like I've associated those specific conditions with something bad happening.

Hi,
Thanks for your post.
The aim of the dream is always to get your brain working. When you realise you're dreaming, the dream had almost done its job, since you're aware of your condition. There is always a transitional period between deep sleep and lucidity. Very often you move during this time and the problem that caused the dream is remedied by you moving. It is hard to grasp unless you are a long time lucid dreamer.
Cheers Wolfjk

[Apox]

what you are expierencing is very normal actually! let me explain...

i have been studying dreams for sometime now, and until recently, i picked up a book called Astral Dynamics. it is mostly geared to the Out of Body Expierences, but it also sheds some light on dream triggers, and what you are expierencing is just that.

if you do some research on this subject, you will find different dream triggers you can use to induce lucid dreaming, one being the lights, and anything electronic for that matter!

if you are in a room with the lights off, the light switch will not turn them on. However, if the lights are on, you can turn them off and back on like normal. Electronics in the dream world do not act like the do in waking life. another dream trigger is a digital watch. if you are used to having a digital watch on your left wrist, and in your dream, you look at it, the numbers will always either be jumbled and unreadable (although you will know what time it is!) or the time will be constantly changing. this goes for reading too. if you see a banner, it will be garbled. though you will understand it. these are things people train thier brains to look for when they are learning how to Lucid Dream.

However, it is very likly you have this gift natually. several people do for that matter. next time you have a dream that you are in the dark, do not be afraid, but realize you are in a dream. this will trigger your dream to be lucid, in which you can make the dream to whatever you want it to be. but once you realize this, either because the switch isnt working, or you realize you are in the dark, all you have to do is imagine the lights coming on, and they will!

i highly suggest you google dream triggers and get familiar with them. they are quite intresting.