Scientists have not found why we dream just yet but, it won’t keep them from trying, or us from dreaming. Nightmares especially, can cause serious sleep disruptions. Most of the time, we can simply move on because they don’t happen every night, but for some people it can become a serious health problem. Chronic nightmares may be tied up in stress, anxiety and depression problems.
One thing is certain; sleep is one of the most important influences of your daily functions and health. Poor sleep quality and quantity can lead to a weakened immune system, poor memory, fatigue, stress and lack of coordination.
Try these tips help prevent bad nights of sleep:
1. Relax more: Don’t let stress make its way into your sleep.
2. Attempt to manipulate the dream: Try recognizing when you are dreaming and gaining control to make your dreams less fearful. It takes practice but, it can be done.
3. Discuss your dreams with others: Talking about your dreams can be a relief. If you can’t find a person you feel comfortable talking to about the topic, try writing in a dream journal.
4. Keep your bedtime thoughts happy: Start reflecting on happy memories, desires and beautiful scenery before you go to sleep. These happy thoughts will carry you into dreamland and make it more likely that you will wake up if you began having a nightmare.
5. Self-love and acceptance: Those affirmations may seem insignificant at times, but they are efficient in placing you in a better mental state before sleep.
6. Keep a dream diary: Write down your nightmare as soon as you wake up to read later. Consistent bad dreams always have causes behind them. Stress, trauma and some medications are known to cause nightmares.
7. Call for help: Discuss stress, bad feelings and trauma problems with loved ones or a professional. Doing so will help you get rid of nightmares faster.
8. No caffeine before bed: Not only will you toss and turn as you try to fall asleep, it makes it more likely that nightmares will occur.
9. Avoid taking medications before bed: If it hasn’t been prescribed to take before bed by your doctor, take medications in the morning instead.
10. Try milk and a snack: Milk has sleep-inducing properties to relax you; avoid sugary, acidic and spicy snacks.
11. Make your dinner light: Eating too heavily at dinner can cause sleep problems.
12. Avoid triggers: Don’t watch the news, horror films, and violence or read graphic books before going to sleep. They can directly lead you into a having a nightmare.
13. Prepare for bed: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to keep your mind in the right place. Include soothing activities such as drinking herbal tea, taking a warm bath or meditation.
14. Change your bed: Make sure your mattress and bedding are comfortable for you.
15. Change some habits: Trying going to sleep earlier or later to see how it affects you. Your bedtime schedule may be a factor in having bad dreams. Also, be aware of other factors such as nasal and breathing problems, which can result in bad sleep.
16. Keep a sleep diary: Recording factors such as diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and medications can help you find a link between your nightmares.
If you find that you can’t solve your nightmare problem on your own, don’t hesitate to speak with a licensed physician. Any time we lose sleep, we are jeopardizing our health, especially when we begin experiencing daytime sleepiness. Find odd things that may be affecting your dreams here!
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