A nightmare is the perfect way to ruin a great night of sleep. The vision of being chased by a shadowy figure, being taunted, or being locked in a box filling with water can be enough to wake you up and keep you up, leading to a long day with no energy. To get back on track with optimistic, feel-good dreams, try these tips before you get to bed tonight:
Put your mind at ease: Many times nightmares stem from fear or anxiety about a situation that you just can’t stop thinking about. It’s important that at bedtime, you put those thoughts on the back burner and focus on positive, happy thoughts instead. Try praying, meditating, or reading a book that will transport you somewhere else.
Relax your body: Making sure your body isn’t full of tension is also a great way to ease stress and anxiety. Stretch or do yoga before climbing into bed to get your muscles nice and relaxed. Even taking a warm bath with lit candles can do the trick of helping to bring positive dreams.
Change your diet: Researchers note that your body temperature and metabolism may lead to more brain activity, triggering strange dreams. Eat dinner earlier, avoiding heavy protein, high fat, and spicy dishes. You don’t want your digestive system to work too as you sleep. And don’t forget to say no to that nightcap. Alcohol is known to disrupt sleep and bring bad dreams along.
Speak to a professional: If you are having more than 1 nightmare a week and it is becoming a problem in your daily life, don’t hesitate seeking professional help. Certain prescription medications are known to bring about bad dreams and you may need to speak with your doctor about an alternative. Sleep apnea and PTSD are also behind plenty of nightmares, getting them treated can help you sleep better.
Learn to take control of your dreams: If you can’t avoid bad dreams, it does help to gain control of their outcome. Try using imagery rehearsal therapy, write down an alternative version of common nightmares and imagine it a few minutes each day for relief as you sleep. Lucid dreaming is also a great technique to look into to gain the upper hand.
Even though dreaming mostly remains a mystery, it can still be a great source for inspiration and encouragement. If you find yourself having recurring dreams or ones that are too bizarre, there could be something in your daily routine triggering them. To find out more about what strange things influence your dreams, click here!
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