Nightmares can be vivid and horrendous.
They can cause people to wake up terrified and even dread going to sleep. There
are a lot of reasons people have nightmares, and if you want to get rid of your
nightmares exploring the alternatives is important.
Stress can be a big
factor contributing to nightmares. This
especially can be the case when you go to sleep thinking about what stresses
you out. Managing your stress can reduce your number/severity of nightmares.
Relaxing before bed
is important. An active mind is more likely to have nightmares than someone who
is relaxed. Bedtime routines are even important for adults. Scheduling time to
unwind before bed can reduce the number/severity of nightmares, help you fall
asleep faster, and help you to sleep deeper. Working out, getting in heated
arguments, or doing other strenuous activities right before bed is not conducive
to getting rid of nightmares.
Illness has been
known to cause nightmares. Sometimes when people run a fever or have other
illnesses it is paired with nightmares. If that is the case for you, you are in
luck because it will likely pass with your illness.
Medication is also a
common cause of nightmares. If you are on medication and suffering from nightmares
talk to your doctor about if that could be the cause. Recreational drugs can
also cause severe nightmares.
Actual discomfort can
work its way into dreams in weird ways. Any pain or even having to go to the
bathroom can present itself in nightmares. Buying a new mattress can help with
reducing nightmares and help you sleep deeper if your current mattress is old or uncomfortable.
Look for themes in your dreams that
parallel with your real life. Figuring out what your dreams are talking about
can help you pin point what you need to work on to get rid of them. Keeping a
dream journal can help with this. If you cannot figure out what your dreams
mean talking to a therapist can help.
Trauma often results in nightmares.
The good news is as you process and make progress on healing from your trauma,
the dreams should reduce. See a therapist if you feel like you are not making
progress.
Practice controlling
your dreams. People often don’t realize they
can control their dreams. Start practicing taking an active role in your
dreams. You will be surprised at the control you can take over them.
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