What Causes Nightmare?

Do you wake up in the middle of the night because you had a bad dream? Do you get nightmares frequently? If yes, then this article is for you. Nightmares are nothing but dreams that inflict fear in you. You wake up because you got scared during your dream.

Nightmares usually occur when you are in a deep sleep. They are often images or sequences that are disturbing and frightening.

This article discusses the causes of nightmares, some common nightmares, and how to stop these bad dreams.

What Causes Nightmares?

If you get frequent nightmares, you should ask yourself what is it that you are doing that causes the nightmares? There are many things that trigger nightmares in adults. If you are doing any of these things, stop them so that you can have a good night's sleep:

#1. Scary Movies, Horror Books, And Video Games: All these three things can cause nightmares. They become a part of your subconscious mind, and during your sleep, you get visions from these movies, books or video games.

#2. Illness Or Fever: When you are suffering from an illness or a fever, chances of having nightmares increases.

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#3. Late Night Snacks: Having late night snack increases the metabolism and signals the brain to become more active.

#4. Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids: If you have trouble sleeping and opt for some over-the-counter sleeping aids, you might get nightmares. These cause nightmares because they mix up with nerves in the brain.

#5. Stress, Anxiety, Depression: Sleep, anxiety, and depression are major causes of nightmares. The brain is not at rest and always running. The thoughts that mount up inside you, is another major cause of nightmares.

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Some Common Nightmares

Some common nightmares that frighten a person include being chased by someone, falling, unable to find a restroom, your teeth falling out, being naked in public, having an out of control vehicle. Every night you have at least 5 dream episodes, some of which turn into nightmares.

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Is It Normal To Have Nightmares?

Having nightmares is totally normal. About 80-90% people get nightmares every once in a while. Nightmares are common in children below the age of 10, but due to many factors adults too, have frequent nightmares. Chronic nightmares are rare as they affect only 5% of the population.

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Why Do I Keep Having Nightmares Every Night?

There are many reasons why you keep having nightmares every night. Sleeping in an awkward position can cause nightmares. If you are surrounded by external noises, they can cause you to have nightmares. PTSD is a common reason for having nightmares every night. Anxiety and stress can be the reason you have nightmares every night. It is important that you identify the signs and symptoms that can cause nightmares and eliminate them.

How To Stop Bad Dreams?

If you are having trouble sleeping, leading to insomnia, you should consider doing the following things. These will help in stopping the bad dreams.

#1. Treat Any Disorders: If you suffer from anxiety, depression or PTSD, you need to treat these disorders. If you want to stop bad dreams, you have to keep your mind calm and let go of the anxiety and stress.

#2. Avoid Eating Before Bed: Eating something as light as a snack can increase your metabolism and make your brain active. An active brain leads to an active imagination. Stop eating before bed time, if you want to stop having bad dreams.

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#3. Reduce Stress: Meditate before bed time. Calm your mind before you sleep if you want to stop having bad dreams.

#4. Talk To Your Doctor: If you are on any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor about having trouble sleeping. Maybe due to some medications, you might have trouble sleeping. Your doctor can help you stop having bad dreams.

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How To Get Rid Of Night Terrors?

Night terrors are episodes of screaming, intense fear and shaking. There are usually no visual images, just a fear of something frightening that distorts the sleep. To get rid of night terrors, you should think of pleasant things that make you happy. You could also talk to someone who could provide you assurance and care.

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