“Tell Me What You Know About Night Terrors…”

Zach Bruner
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

This is something I typically* do not like to talk about, but I figured this may be therapeutic.

Night terrors are awful… you wake up disoriented, living a dream that isn’t real, but until you actually wake up you have no idea that you are not in reality. Since I was about 20 years old, I have had night terrors that have startled my family, friends, dogs, strangers and myself along the way. If the topic gets brought up in front of people, most of the time I do not want to talk about it because it takes me back that moment of “terror.” The best way that I can describe my night terrors is to tell a few stories (there are way too many to write them all) in which other people have witnessed them and try to add as much humor as possible.

Let’s begin with the first one I remember other people witnessing…

NBA Playoffs in Columbia

I was “watching” the NBA Playoffs with my friends Jerret and Andrew and because I likely had no interest at all, I fell asleep pretty early on the couch. In what couldn’t have been more than 15 minutes, I was punching the pillow I had on top of my chest into the air and fighting off some dreamed up enemy. They got a good laugh out of it and I still hear about it from time-to-time to this day.

Mizzou Library Embarrassment

In between classes, I would typically go to The University of Missouri’s, Ellis Library to do homework and try and prepare for class. What I have not mentioned is that sometimes, I would fall asleep in one of the comfortable chairs on the second floor, which meant a night terror was a possibility. Well, unfortunately for everyone near me and myself, I did wake up yelling one time. I had no idea what to do or say, so I grabbed a book and pretended to read until the attention on me was gone and I could walk out.

Senior Trip Sponsor Embarrassment

Whenever I was teaching in Oregon, I was asked to go on the senior trip to Washington D.C. and New York, which was exciting. Once we arrived, I found out I had to room with another social studies teacher that was leading a group from Louisiana. To be nice, I let him know first thing that I had night terrors from time-to-time, so if I wake up yelling, I’m alright I promise.

Well, after a “red eye” flight the night before, I was exhausted and within a short time of falling asleep on the first night in D.C. I woke up yelling and even though I warned this teacher, he was likely still very startled. Luckily, I did not have anymore while on this trip.

So this is my attempt to shed a little light on my night terrors… if any of you have them or know anyone who does, you probably understand.

The Ascent

A community of storytellers documenting the journey to happiness & fulfillment.

Zach Bruner

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I am a passionate about being a dad, husband, and educator.

The Ascent

A community of storytellers documenting the journey to happiness & fulfillment.

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