Scary dreams are usually a series of frightening images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that spontaneously and uncontrollably arise during sleep. A person may experience sadness, anger, guilt, and most often fear and anxiety. Scientists estimate that about 75% of all dreams evoke certain negative emotions.
The plots of nightmares are diverse - from them you can make a whole - but there are some common topics. Perhaps the most archetypal nightmare is one in which a person runs away and hides from someone. Other common topics are the fall or rethinking of reality events. A nightmare itself, like any harmless dream, can last up to about 20 minutes. But scary dreams tend to be very realistic, and impressions from them sometimes prevent us from falling asleep until morning.
Is it bad without good?
Most scientists believe that nightmares are an epiphenomenon of consciousness and sleep, and that there is no benefit from them. However, some psychologists believe that terrible dreams are a kind of "threat simulators" that prepare people for the dangers of the real world. It is assumed that if a person has gone through one or another danger in a dream, then in reality he will not be so confused.
What can cause nightmares?
So far, the exact mechanics of the emergence of terrible dreams is not yet known to mankind. It is assumed that they can be caused by both emotional and physiological factors.
It is noticed that during a period of illness the probability of seeing a nightmare in a dream increases.
People who are worried about post-traumatic disorders, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome, as well as those taking antidepressants and pressure-stabilizing drugs, are slightly more likely to experience unpleasant sleep. And finally, lovers of food before bed also fall into the risk group.
Not in the best way, daytime stress also affects sleep: a job change, moving, wedding, pregnancy, financial problems, loss of a loved one, a serious accident or other worries
Unsurprisingly, nightmares often bother doctors, war veterans, police workers, and firefighters.
How to deal with nightmares?
- Try to go to bed and get up at the same certain time.
- Daily exercise often helps people sleep, although working out before bed can have a negative effect. It would be ideal to finish them a few hours before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine (including sodas), smoking, and alcohol.
- Try to relax before bedtime. Have a warm bath, reading, or some other relaxing activity with your evening ritual.
- Sleep until dawn or turn on a bright light when you wake up.
- Do not just lie in bed if you cannot fall asleep. Try reading or watching TV until you feel tired. Naturally, horror movies are not suitable for this.
- Make sure that the bedroom is not too hot or cold.
- Do not go to bed in a bad mood.
- Do not eat at bedtime, especially meat and cheeses.
- Spend more time outdoors, at least in the park
- Do not sleep on your back. This can cause a special nightmare known as sleep paralysis.
- Keep a dream diary. Try to come up with a happy ending for every bad dream.
- Studies show that pleasant smells have a positive effect on dreams. Try using fresh flowers or aromatic oils.
- Try to resolve family troubles. This will help relevant articles on the psychology of relationships, for example, .
Those who feel trouble falling asleep every night and tired the next day should see a doctor. Most sleep disorders can and should be treated.