Nightmares aren’t just for children. They affect everyone, young and old. Have you been having bad dreams lately? Do you wonder why they happen and how to overcome them? This article briefly explains what you need to know about the causes of nightmares and the effective solutions for nightmares. 

Triggers of Adult Nightmares

A nightmare is simply a dysfunctional dream. Nightmares often happen during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the deepest stage of slumber, in which the brain stays active while the body is almost fully at rest. REM periods get longer as the night goes on, and nightmares often happen in the longer REM periods.

Not Sleeping Enough and Staying Up Late

Depriving yourself of sleep and delaying it altogether can increase your chances of having a nightmare. Most importantly, any activity that disrupts your regular circadian rhythms, such as jetlag, all-night movies and partying, is likely to increase the possibility of having bad dreams. For your best sleep, it’s best to sleep at the same time every night.

Eating too Close to Bedtime

Another common cause of nightmares is eating just before bed. Eating too close to bedtime can increase your metabolism and brain activity during REM sleep and thus, increase the chances of having bad dreams. 

Unregulated Stress Level

Anxiety and high levels of stress can also increase the probability of having nightmares. Our emotional levels during active hours can affect our brain activity during the night. Therefore, going to bed with an unclear head and unsettled mind can make you have bad dreams.

Other common causes of nightmares include: Drinking alcohol before bed, taking certain medications, degenerative neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, recent traumatic experiences, and never-healed wounds from the past unmasked by a recent event.