Jack, it's quite interesting that you mentioned not having a dream last night. The absence of dreams can be as telling as the presence of vivid ones. It might signify a period where your subconscious is taking a break from processing the intense emotions and events you’ve been through recently. Given your history of frequent stress and occasional sadness, the lack of dreaming could be a way for your mind to find some respite.
In the context of your recurring dreams and frequent nightmares, a night without dreams might suggest that your mind is momentarily stepping away from revisiting those distressing narratives. This could provide a temporary sanctuary, allowing your brain to rest and recharge. The fact that you often wake up in the night and feel negative emotions upon waking indicates that your sleep cycle is usually quite disturbed. A dreamless night can sometimes be a sign that your body and mind are taking a necessary break from this pattern.
Considering your experiences with life-changing events such as traumatic experiences, loss of a loved one, and relationship difficulties, your subconscious is likely very active in processing these emotions. The absence of a dream could hint at a phase of emotional downtime, where your subconscious is not engaging actively with these stressors. This could be a momentary lull before your mind resumes its work on these complex feelings.
Moreover, the stress and anxiety you frequently feel during the day can heavily influence your dream patterns.