I only remember having a single nightmare in my entire life, and I woke up from it extremely anxious. Felt absolutely awful; I can't imagine what it must be like to have nightmares on a regular basis. Have you considered seeking therapy? I feel like it's overlooked far too often. There are very affordable alternatives if you look around, too.
I have nightmares and/or panic attacks pretty often in my sleep lol. Been dealing with 'em for a couple years now. You could try any of 99 stress relief techniques, as I'm pretty sure that's helped me cope with mine. That and I sleep with a night light and while cuddling an extra pillow. ...don't judge me
My sister used to have horrible nightmares, until she got a dreamcatcher. She is not the only person I know that a dreamcatcher has worked for. If you are really desperate, I suggest giving one a try.
Cuddling with a pillow is awesome. I used to have a night light for, like, 20 years. I got used to the darkness though.
I wish I could get used to darkness. My heart starts acting up when it's too dark and most of the time even closing my eyes doesn't help. ;; Plus I can't even imagine what it'd be like waking up in sleep paralysis in darkness. I'd probably die. That sh*t is terrifying enough when I can see the walls.
Been sleeping with a dreamcatcher for years now, and I never have any nightmares. I believe I used to have them before the dreamcatcher. And when I have the rare scary dream, I usually think they are pretty cool. So then, that's not a nightmare right? Also, as a kid I dealt with fear of the dark by hiding under my blanket. Works great. I'm not afraid of the dark anymore, but I still do it usually because it feels all comfy and safe. c: Sleep paralysis is not scary at all. It's just your brain waking up before your body does. It's natural, and it only lasts a few seconds.