Think only kids get nightmares? Think again, while only about 5-10% of adults experience bad dreams on a regular basis, it is not something to be easily dismissed. They can be very distressing and lead to numerous problems such as sleep deprivation and anxiety. The most common nightmare is the act of being chased – women get chased by men and children get chased by animals. There are other factors of course that should be taken into consideration if you or a loved one is affected by this.
Whether you are a child or an adult, stress is the number one cause of nightmares. Nightmares usually leave you wake up feeling disturbed and even more anxious. They happen during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle and in the latter part of the night. Any illness combined with a raised body temperature has been known to trigger vivid dreams. Nicotine patches that stay on overnight, traumatic events like the death of a loved one, surgery, or even things that we see on the news can affect our dreams. It is common for post war veterans to have recurring bad dreams about events directly related to what they saw with their own eyes. Excessive alcohol intake, abrupt withdrawal and late night eating causes restless sleep which leads to unpleasant dreams.
Have no fear, there are many ways we can nip these dreadful dreams in the bud. Write down your worry or nightmares in a journal and think of a happy ending. By doing this, you can decode it and relate it to your life. If you think your bad dreams are stress related your best bet would be to seek the support of friends and relatives with talk therapy. Another option would be to follow a regular fitness routine, preferably aerobic to promote a more sound sleep. If you are still having disturbing dreams that occur more than weekly or stopping you from functioning you should consult a therapist.
Lyla Feldman writes articles about striving towards a healthy lifestyle.
Some of her favorite passions include writing about energy drinks and natural sleep aids.
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