The REAL reasons you keep having nightmares (and what you can do about it)

Did you know that 1 in 2 adults regularly have nightmares! Or that they are linked to heart disease, obesity, and depression. Clearly, they aren’t as harmless as most of us imagine them to be, with their side effects capable of making your life a living nightmare. And while it may seem like something out of your control, there are things you can do to prevent nightmares.

Read on to find out the real reasons you keep having nightmares

Pre-bedtime snacking
Eating right before bed can cause a massive spike in your metabolism, making your brain active as you fall asleep, leading to nightmares. This is especially true for sugar and processed snacks that spike your sugar levels. If you notice a link between having nightmares and eating late, make it a point to not snack after dinner and notice if your condition improves.

Prescription medications
Certain medications contain chemicals that can cause nightmares as one of their side effects. These include certain antidepressants and certain blood pressure medications. Consult with your doctor if your current medication is contributing to you having nightmares and discuss alternatives including lifestyle changes. If you are facing a serious condition with limited medication available as treatment, it’s a possibility that you may have to put up with the nightmares and begin focusing on better managing the condition.

Improper sleeping habits
Not getting enough sleep, can often lead to a feedback loop which can cause nightmares, which in turn can cause disturbed sleep. In case you notice that reduced sleep is causing nightmares, make sure to practice proper sleep hygiene, and inculcate healthy sleeping habits. These include winding down before bedtime, engaging in a relaxing activity, maintaining the right temperature in your bedroom, and setting aside enough time to fall asleep and to wake up.

Sleep disorders
Over time, with improper sleeping habits, multiple sleep disorders can develop such as insomnia. These along with other sleep disorders caused due to various underlying causes such as sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome can lead to nightmares. In case you suffer from any of these conditions, consult with your doctor regarding treatment options which may help improve your quality of sleep and prevent nightmares.