What happens when we become violent in our dreams, including some information about a sleep disorder that causes people to act out violent dreams in real life.

I recall dreams where I've been violent toward animals and insects. I don't know why and the weird thing is, I lose strength with every blow of the hand or arm--almost like my conscience is breaking through.

Or maybe the animal or insect represents a part of yourself, and in the end you can't bring yourself to destroy something that is a part of you.

The "conscience breaking through" idea sounds a bit like lucidity. Like you suddenly remember that in civilised socity it's not alright to hurt another living things.

I hadn't even thought of that hurting a part of myself aspect of it. And I can recall having those dreams on the verge of waking up, so maybe it is lucidity breaking in. I know for myself, I become more aware that I'm dreaming as I head toward waking consciousness.