Nightmares are reinterpreted unresolved fears, stress, or traumatic experiences from your waking life People ascribe all sorts of meanings to nightmares – a message from a deceased loved one, a suspicion of some disaster, a warning not to go with a certain decision, and a personal favorite, an excuse not to get out of bed or the world will end. Nightmares are particularly linked to emotional upheavals or mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, signaling that the mind is working to process difficult emotions or unresolved psychological conflicts According to the Sleep Foundation, you go through four stages of sleep each night: Three non-rapid eye movement (or NREM) sleep phases that take you from light to deep sleep, and one REM sleep phase. Dream-like mental activity can be observed during all sleep stages – it’s only during REM sleep that dreams are particularly vivid and intense The reduction in nightmare frequency may be due to improved emotional regulation, reduced REM sleep, decreased imagination, and the ability to manage stress more effectively Night terrors terrorize the dreamer during deep, NREM sleep. “During a night terror, the person is difficult to wake When you wake up, jot down a keyword or phrase that captures the nightmare. Nightmares are often messages from the unconscious mind, attempting to get our attention. By writing down a few words, you externalize those thoughts, which can help reduce the mental load and stress To fall back asleep more comfortably, change into a new set of clothes if what you’re wearing gets damp from sweating Light stretches, drinking water, or reading something non-stimulating can also be effective in shifting your focus away from the nightmare “Nightmares cannot be prevented,” said Lau. “It is important not to be afraid of nightmares, or else, one may end up being scared to fall asleep to avoid it.” To increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep without waking up in the middle of a nightmare, create your bedtime routine to train your brain to be ready to rest
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024