The past few weeks I have been having extremely terrifying nightmares, 3 or 4 times a week that feel 100% REAL and I am terrified! I have done some research and came up with some of my own advice that I will be trying. If you experience bad dreams too, I hope this will be helpful!
You wake up in sweat, tears rolling down your face, scared to death that your awful dreams are actually happening, but good news, nightmares aren't real.
Although we may think continuous nightmares only happen to children, 2-8% of adults struggle through their sleep as well.
There are five main known causes of nightmares:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Often being too stressed out at work or at school can cause disturbed dreams, but anxiety is the most common. If you have recently experienced a traumatic event, surgery or illness, it is likely that you will have bad dreams.
2. Food
Eating before you sleep (especially spicy or fatty foods) will increase your metabolism and brain activity which can alter your sleeping pattern, causing unwanted dreams.
3. If you are creative... ?
Yes! Some researchers believe that artistic or creative people are at greater risk for nightmares because they are generally more sensitive beings. It's easier for them to develop strong imaginations over night.
4. Medication
Anti-depressants, barbiturates, narcotics,or any new medication you are taking that your body is unfamiliar with may cause nightmares.
5. Illness
If you have the flu, a fever or any type of regular sleeping disorder may result in nightmares.
Sadly, there is no real way to prevent these dreams from happening but here are a few things you can try:
- Developing a good sleeping pattern (6-8 hours)
- Eat healthy, stay away from having too much junk food
- Relax! Exercise, yoga or meditation is a great way
- Read DON'T eat before bed
- And trying and maintain a stress-free life can certainly help!
Please note, if you have tried absolutely everything and nothing seems to help your traumatic nightmares you may have a nightmare disorder (dream anxiety disorder) and you should see your doctor for some psychological counseling.
Happy dreaming!!
xo Jenae
