How to Get Rid of Nightmares

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.