I hate it when I have those dreams where someone cuts you hair all off.

I was having a fight with my mom the other night and that night when I fell asleep, I dreamed that she cut my hair into a pixie hair cut.  I was so scared I woke up and ran my fingers through my hair to make sure it was all there.  I know my mom would never do that to me, no matter how angry she was with me though.

Has anyone ever had dreams like that too?

I've never had a nightmare/dream where someone cut my hair.  I have had dreams where my hair got caught in something dangerous, like a spinning lathe.  Scary  :o

You must be another one of my lost cousins. I get hair nightmares at least twice a week. in order of frequency, this is how they'd be classified:

  (1) male-pattern baldness or bald patches from accidents with fans, lawnmowers, or otherwise careless humans.
  (2) coarse and ugly Dorothy Hamill/Ami Mizuno 'dos where I'd "wake up" in the dream and discover their nasty presence.  
  (3) short unwanted cuts from family members or other non-hair-friendly relatives
  (4) unwanted perms with terrible results, making me look like my grandmother

I think it's an overall hair anxiety that causes them all. Weird, but sometimes I like hair nightmares.. because then I appreciate my long hair in the morning.

Anyhoo, Welcome to Longlocks! You'll see me around here pretty often.

Anais Satin

Yeah, I had that dream last night.
Reciently I have been having this problem with only wakeing up half way and having my subconscious tell me to get up...when it's only 3 am! And sometimes, I'm not awake enought to think clearly and obey this command and begin getting ready for the day WAY too early.
Well, in my dream I was alseep and woke up to one of these urges and obeyed it... which meant taking my hair in a ponytail and just chopping it off above the band! And this "just cut off the hair in the ponytail" look didn't seem to bother me in the dream. When I woke up, I was sad and had to make sure I still had all my hair. That's extra stress I don't need!
Meg

I have a lot of weird dreams about unwanted things happening to my appearance...Vain, maybe? I have had a dream about bleaching my hair and it all falling out in clumps or getting a brush tangled in my hair so badly that I have to cut it out. I also have similar dreams about my teeth...Where they for no reason start falling out of my gums or I get hit in the mouth with something and my teeth break. The hair dreams have only started in the last 6 months maybe, however I have been having the teeth dreams since I was about 10. Ick! :(

OMG... i've had tons of painful teeth dreams!!! like the roots of my teeth would explode and other fun stuff (and i tend really to feel the pain). they suddenly stopped though. i don't have that many hair nightmares though. i think i had some henna dream once, and it turned totally orange.

I could relate to you some truly horrifying nightmares. These are the type that when you wake up, you stay up the rest of the night. Your heart rate is somewhere around 140, you're sweating, and you are dizzy.

I have dreams about hair, too. I have dreamed I cut my SO's hair short several times, some with her consent, some without. I have dreams about entire hair massacres!

But the real bad ones are the dreams of death of myself and of my son. I have been shot, mugged, tortured, hung, and had all sort of mean nasty things happen to me. Many times I staggered into my son's room to see if he's still there. And yes, I've looked over at my lady to see if her hair is still there, too.

Furthermore, my son's gf will start cosmotology school next month. She also loves short hair (I guess most cosmotogy students do?). My son and his gf live with us. She is aready hinting about my wife becoming her guinea pig because her hair hasn't been done in a beauty shop since 1984, except the one updo done for a wedding in 1999.. When she starts school, look out.

Yep, I know what you mean.  I don't usually dream about my hair falling out but I dream it's infested w/ bugs or something equally gross.  I hate bugs and I'm a neat freak.  And yes, when I'm REALLY stressed I dream all my teeth fall out.

Dreams about teeth often are about the dreamer being overly concerned how others view them.  Too much worry over what other people think about you is connected to teeth dreams, too.  I imagine hair dreams have to do with something similar or perhaps even how you view yourself.  We tend to identify ourselves w/our hair, no?

Rodent, if you're open to the idea you might investigate past lives theory.  With all those death dreams, you and your son may have journeyd together before.  I hope you have a peaceful violence free lifetime this time around.

wrote on Jul 18^th, 2005 at 11:16pm:

Dreams about teeth often are about the dreamer being overly concerned how others view them.  Too much worry over what other people think about you is connected to teeth dreams, too.

oh, there we go again. i guess there must be some truth in it. bad self image, guilty as charged! (i must be going way better these days though, haven't had a teeth dream in months, if not years. :)

Greeting, Sakina:

"Rodent, if you're open to the idea you might investigate past lives theory.  With all those death dreams, you and your son may have journeyd together before.  I hope you have a peaceful violence free lifetime this time around."

Yes, I have been open to that theory for some time. The latest one, I was escaping captors by jumping from a plane, stealing an airport truck, and crashing through the fence at Boston Logan Airport. I've never been to Boston so why was I there in my dream?

Unfortunatly, this one is not too peaceful and violence in  my teen years was prominent. If the theory has merit, I have been a woman, a rich man who lost a fortune, a small rodent, and a criminal on the run. I get that, "Ive been here before and this or that happened to me." feeling at least a couple times a year.

I've heard that being naked around others was a cause for low self esteem. Your teeth theory was new to me.

I could write volumes on dreaming. In fact, I base a lot of my writing on dreams.

My mother attended a number of classes on interpreting dreams.  It sounded facinating.  I'll have to see if I can dig up the the person's web page that does interpretations and post it.

I used to have a recurring dream as a child - I was in a shopping mall and it was smokey and burning.  We couldn't find our way out.  I stopped having the dream after a local mall had a fire and 2 people died when they were trapped in a storage area and couldn't find their way out.

I don't dream anymore - as chronically sleep deprived, I seldom get into the dream mode.  I feel I am missing out on a lot of brain creativity and release because I don't dream.   :-/

I'm very sorry to hear that you're not dreaming, BB.  I have had prophetic dreams throughout my life, although as an adult they only seem to concern people I know and love.  Unfortunately for that I've freaked out some friends and we are no longer in contact.
If I may suggest trying meditation or simple relaxation (I'm talking 20 minutes a day) to reconnect your waking conscious w/your sub or super conscious you may begin to dream again.  That is, if you want to.  Much problem solving is done in our dreams.  I feel concern for your wellbeing, knowing that you aren't dreaming.  May I suggest 2 CD's that I use myself for meditation & relaxation: "Sadhana: The Daily Practice of Meditation" by Sudhakar Ken McRae (888-242-9642 or yogis@ic.org) and "Letting Go Of Stress" by Emmett Miller, M.D. and Steven Halpern (www.innerpeacemusic.com & www.DrMiller.com)  I have also used these CD's in the meditation class I teach and have gotten positive feedback from my students on their use.

Rodent, I have also an awareness of multiple lives/genders.  I did a lot of writing when I was a teen-all influenced by dreaming.  This lifetime for me as well has been marred by ugliness (verbal in my case) and in someways I think it fueled my creativity.  It also fortified my loner tendencies, but then I have time to think.  I hope your openmindedness has been a tool for you to expand away from the limiting events your your teen years.  J'ai Bagwan, Rodent! (Gujarati for Victory to Rodent! or YAY, Rodent!)

Sweet dreams to you both!!  (heehee)

Thanks for your concern, Sakina.  

I have tried meditation, and I do use relaxation methods so that I get enough rest.  I've been involved in several sleep programs to try to return to more normal sleep patterns, but even the experts have given up on me.  The primary problem is my physical inability to remain in one position for more than 20 minutes without being in significant pain.  I've lived with this condition for almost 25 years now, and have adapted fairly well.  I miss the dreaming, but I do have my methods for resting my body and brain, which is the most important.

wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2005 at 5:15pm:

The primary problem is my physical inability to remain in one position for more than 20 minutes without being in significant pain.  I've lived with this condition for almost 25 years now, and have adapted fairly well.  I miss the dreaming, but I do have my methods for resting my body and brain, which is the most important.

That's awful, BB!  :(  I hope they find something to help you.  What is your condition called, if you don't mind me asking?  

I also have quite a few health conditions, and because of the anxiety of the recent one, I developed insomnia.  I let it go for about 6 months and was getting kind of nuts, so I finally asked my doc about it.  He prescribed Ambien so I can get some sleep, during the time that I'm on a treatment to fix the other problems.  It's really helped a lot!  That's another route you might try, but I know some people want do go the natural route if possible.  I did - this was a last-resort thing.

As far as dreaming, no hair dreams for me.  But I do have the dreaming-that-you're-waking-up-dream (forgot what they're called.)  And dreams I think might be prophetic but only between family members,  especially my mom.  There has also been a re-occuring dream about a house - don't know who's it is/was, but I think it has something to do with the past.  Ohyeah, and I always dream in color.  I've heard some people don't.

Cynde

What a great discussion! I'm glad to be part of it.

Robin, my sleep devervation doesn't stop my dreaming. Many think I have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This is where you stop breathing and wake up. Thus, I keep a mattress and pillow in my van in order to keep up by taking a few z's at lunch. These short bursts of sleep have produced many colorful dreams and have helped me make it through the afternoon.

This month I was being carried by a giant bird which swooped down in a valley. I was caught in a giant spider web and the bird let go. The spider, purple with a chrome spot, came at me to have lunch. Just in time, the bird came back and clutched the spider in it's claws. The bird took off with the spider.  I woke up coughing and gagging, which usually happens at lunch. Many times a dream happens right at the onset of sleep for me.

Then there was that psychodelic snail.... I can't believe I had trouble out running a snail! It all seemed to move in slow motion.

Robin, all sleep problems are different. Mine involves no pain, so maybe what works for me won't work for you. I never go to bed right after physical activity. Another thing that may sound odd is that I drink a sugar cola of some sort an hour before. Once that sugar high wears off, there is a sugar low that follows, thus a great time to hit the sack.

Sakina, I still write short stories based on nightmares. I did as a teen and still do now. I don't know if you know of my novels, but I still write. Some of the fighting scenes are based on violence and fighting from my youth and others on things that come in dreams. I'll take a dream and add some extra cause these dreams seldom last more than a couple minutes, not long enough for a complete story, but good plots. I have also painted scenes from my dreams as well.

wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2005 at 10:35am:

I don't dream anymore - as chronically sleep deprived, I seldom get into the dream mode.  I feel I am missing out on a lot of brain creativity and release because I don't dream.   :-/

Are you positive that you do not get any REM sleep? I went through a spell many years ago where I did not recall any dreams. The psychologist I was seeing at the time for something else suggested that I was consciously forgetting dreaming due to the fact that I did not want to address what my dreams were trying to tell me. In other words, I was dreaming, but not remembering one lick of the dream.

He must've been right because after that stressful period was behind me, I started to recall dreams again. Although, prior to that, I would've sworn I wasn't dreaming.


wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2005 at 9:05pm:

What a great discussion! I'm glad to be part of it. Robin, my sleep devervation doesn't stop my dreaming. Many think I have a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. This is where you stop breathing and wake up.

Hey Rodent! I too have sleep apnea; for me it's congenital. My father suffers far more than I, in fact, he sleeps with a machine! Never forget the first time my, then, girl friend woke me up because she actually thought I'd expired!  Anyway, always good to know there's another like yourself out there.

Hair dreams sound interesting. I have noticed that lately, since I've been on the board actually, that my physical appearance in my dreams has long hair now. Previously, my avatar, if you will, did not have long hair. Now, I do. Perhaps with the added attention I've given my hair, I've finally actually incorporated it into my sense of self.

Quote:

Are you positive that you do not get any REM sleep?

Yep.  They hooked me up to all kinds of equipment to track my sleeping and no REM sleep.  Actually, the experts were amazed at how well I function with the minimal sleep I get. The only time I can get into REM sleep is drug induced, but I don't like the fog I end up with the drugs.

Physical activity and wine are the two things that help me the most to relax.  The more physically exhausted I am, the more sleep I will get, but still no REM.  Wine is a great relaxing agent - I usually have a glass before bed.  The wine also helps knock down the pain so I can try to get a bit more sleep before being awakened.

Sleep apnea is one of the things they checked me for - but it is not the issue.  My constant awakening is due to arthritis in all my joints.  If the joints are left in one position too long, they become very painful, so I am awakened.  I already take maximum doses of anti-inflamatory drugs, but my body is fighting the Titanium rods in my back, so it is a constant battle I have learned to live with.  The amazing thing is, the only time I am not in some level of pain is when I am biking on my recumbent.

BikerBraid!!! Oh my! I feel your pain. Wish I could hug you close and make it go away, but you've already someone who helps in the department. Instead, I shall commune with the cosmic gods/goddesses and request relief to someone who has given karmic good to everyone.

NaturalRogue;
Thanks for the virtual hug and the request for relief on my behalf.  

Just to put everything in perspective - the pain I have now is NOTHING like what I had prior to my 2 back surgeries.  I am greatful for the relief I was given and very accepting of my current physical condition.  It could be MUCH MUCH worse - been there, done that, and don't care to repeat it.

On the up-side - I get to read lots of books, surf the net, knit socks and do other things while the rest of you are snoozing your time away!  ;D

If I'm not mistaken, BB, your near the twin cities?  I have been told that there's a good sized "alternative" population (read metaphysical, etc) I'd suggest looking up a Cranial Sacral Therapist.  This is very gentle, clothes stay on and may bring both relaxation & pain relief.  I used it specifically to overcome Bell's Palsy and found my appearance to be greatly improved with each session.  Accupuncture is also quite successful in chronic pain situations-there are needles that can stay in you body and help you 24/7.  I suffered a severe spinal injury in 1991 and amongst the varied therapies I have used (including the above), yoga allowed me the most and consistent physical comfort.  I practiced many years before becoming a teacher.  If you can find a Kripalu Yoga Teacher in your area (www.kripalu.org) I think it would serve you well.

Rodent, my stories were very gory and filled with death and usually spirits/ghosts.  My 6th grade teacher thought I had a lot of potential as a writer (she said I'd be her first published student) but was really worried about the darkness in my stories.  I think its good to get it out on paper instead of keeping it in & dwelling on it.  I am not familiar w/your novels.  Please enlighten me!

"The amazing thing is, the only time I am not in some level of pain is when I am biking on my recumbent. "

The more I hear of your bike, the more I think my next bike, (if there is another) will be this style. There are times when the ONLY relief from migraines is a ride on the bike.

NR, I have a very good friend that sleeps with the machine. I have not been diagosed officially mainly because I'm afriad of the costs of the tests and the machine. His wife and mine are like Kayla and Kirby from the novel; best friends since freshman year in HS. They compare symptoms all the time, ie; the snoring, gasping for breath, coughing, falling asleep several times during the day, (another reason I carry a mattress and pillow in my van.) If it gets too bad while driving, I pull over and take 5 in the back.

Also, NR, I don't seem to have a constant physical appearence, (avatar as you say). It's never like the 'camera' faces me. Sometimes I'm old, sometimes young, sometimes naked, and as strange as it may seem, even thought I was the opposite gender or even an animal of some type.

Robin, I know I said there would be a chapter 5 soon. Well the Cards and Cubs went 11 innings and just now, 10:30PM getting to the writing. Looks like a night of knitting socks  ;D I guess. Promise to have something new to read later in the week, maybe as early as tomorrow if I stay up late!

It sounds like we could have midnite chats sometime with our sleep habits!

Sakina;
Thanks for the info - I just might look into that.  I have used accupuncture in the past with some relief.  I tried yoga once, but the instructor was baffled by my fused spine and did not know how to adapt things for me, so I gave it up.  I keep hoping to find someone that can work with the fused spine and still help with overall conditioning and flexibility.  My fusion is the lower 1/3, so balance is real difficult for me.  Add to that the permanent nerve damage which minimizes what I can feel from my feet, and you can see what a challenge it is for me to do anything with balance.

Sir Rat;
I did get some knitting done last night - my SIL will thank you since she is waiting for these socks.  We should try to get a live chat going sometime.  LongLocks does have a Yahoo group (used for notifications), I bet the chat room would work there.  We should try it out sometime!

wrote on Jul 23^rd, 2005 at 2:11pm:

Sakina; Thanks for the info - I just might look into that.  I have used accupuncture in the past with some relief.  I tried yoga once, but the instructor was baffled by my fused spine and did not know how to adapt things for me, so I gave it up.  I keep hoping to find someone that can work with the fused spine and still help with overall conditioning and flexibility.  My fusion is the lower 1/3, so balance is real difficult for me.  Add to that the permanent nerve damage which minimizes what I can feel from my feet, and you can see what a challenge it is for me to do anything with balance. Sir Rat; I did get some knitting done last night - my SIL will thank you since she is waiting for these socks.  We should try to get a live chat going sometime.  LongLocks does have a Yahoo group (used for notifications), I bet the chat room would work there.  We should try it out sometime!

Did you have scoliosis surgery?  That's what I had.  I also have a bunch of titanium rods in my back.  Luckily, I came out with not that much aches and pains (except when it is cold), but I do have other things which I think resulted from the surgery.  But anyway, I know a girl who went to my same doctor, and it sounds like she had the exact same problem as you did.  She underwent the surgery twice, and still after no change decided she wanted to get the rods taken out.  During the third surgery, the doctor noticed that her bones were not fused.  He decided to leave the rods in, and fill with more bone.  Since then, she has felt much better.  I asked her if this is something that doesn't show up on x-rays - and apparently it is hard to tell.  

Hopefully this is not the problem because I would hate for anyone to go through another surgery.  It's just something to consider if you're looking for the root of it all.

Cynde

PS - Sorry my post is so off-topic!

My back surgeries were due to degenerated discs.  Bone was inserted for the fusion.  I have been given the option of having the rods removed, but the risks involved in the removal (the thought of them chiseling them out is not a great thought), have made me not consider that option at this point.  I will probably have at least one more back surgery for additional repair, I may consider having them remove the old rods at that time.