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Why do people get nightmares? |
Nightmares can be very scary, but the good news is that they’re nothing more than a dream! But because dreams – happy, sad, scary, weird, or funny – can sometimes seem very real, it can be easy to forget that they’re not, especially when it comes to nightmares.
Bad dreams happen to pretty much everyone from time to time, although they tend to be more common in kids than in grown-ups. Sleep has different stages and nightmares usually happen during the stage of sleep known as REM sleep. The longer you’ve been asleep, the longer your cycles of REM sleep tend to be, which is why most nightmares happen late in the night or early in the morning, when you’re having a longer REM sleep cycle.
The reason why a person gets nightmares varies from case to case and person to person. Sometimes they happen because of reading scary stories or watching scary TV shows late at night. They can also be your brain’s way of processing an idea that it’s scared, anxious, or stressed about – if you think this is the case, talk to a grown-up about whatever is bothering you! Other causes can include medications or even just being sick with a cold or fever!
The good news is that nightmares can be easy to avoid. Brainstorm for some ideas that would make bed-time more pleasant and read some tips for Sleeping Well below!
Sleeping well!
Another good trick for avoiding bad dreams is to think of pleasant things as you go to bed. Tell yourself some funny jokes or a story about something cool that recently happened to you. Remind yourself also that monsters aren't real even if dark shapes in the room seem strange and scary. Make your room a comfortable place at night-time – sleep with a cozy blanket or a safe, cuddly toy. Use a small light if you need to and try to relax! Zzzzzz!
