Protecting / fighting / flying dreams

I have had 'dreams' that involve me flying and fighting 'things'(always with silver handled, engraved swords) These 'things'- I can describe- as I haven't seen them in the physical- their forms change during the dream. I zoom in and out of strange places chasing, being chased- fighting, fighting, fighting. Many times it seems as though I'm protecting someone and trying to get them 'somewhere'safe.

I wake up from this dreams EXHAUSTED - absolutely exhausted and have on a few ocassions had strange scratches on my body (I have short nails - so I didn't do it to myself...)I've gone to see doctors about this exhaustion in the mornings and they couldn't really give me an answer. Many years ago I saw an amazing woman (a trusted psychic) who told me I literally 'died' at night at times.

I'd really like to know where am I going and what's happening.