How to get rid of nightmares: 6 things to watch out for

1. You stay up late

Delaying sleep has been proven to lead to nightmares. For example, a 2011 Turkish study found that owls are more likely to have nightmares than others.

The way out is to give up "one more, very last episode for the night", go to bed at the same time and not too late.

2. You don't sleep much

Why do I have nightmares: You don't sleep much

Scientists have found that lack of sleep increases the brightness and intensity of dreams, which means that it increases the risk of nightmares. So anything that eats up your sleep time, from jet lag to a hectic party, could turn into a truly terrible night in the future.

3. You are not coping with stress

Why Nightmares Dream: You Can't Cope With Stress

Thinking about a meditation app? Here's another reason to download it: stress and anxiety provoke nightmares.

The fact is that the emotions that we experience while awake affect the functioning of the brain during sleep. At this time, the mind, as it were, processes them.

It is believed that nightmares in this way help to cope with anxiety and fear, as if thanks to them we can function better during the day. However, Australian researchers have denied this theory.

4. You are unhappy with your life

Finnish scientists have found that life dissatisfaction is strongly associated with nightmares. But what is the cause and what is the effect is not completely clear: a bad mood can cause bad dreams, which, in turn, worsen the mood.

The Finns also discovered another addiction: people suffering from seasonal depression have more nightmares. That is, there is definitely a connection between dreams and a bad mood.

Therefore, if you are feeling depressed, try to get rid of a toxic work environment, exercise, or see a therapist. You look, instead of monsters, cute ponies will start dreaming.

5. You are taking certain medications

Why do I have bad dreams: You are taking certain medications

A number of medications, particularly antidepressants, can interfere with your sleep. A 2013 review noted that tricyclic antidepressants contribute to more pleasurable dreams, but nightmares are caused by stopping them. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) make dreams more vivid, but they can also provoke scary dreams.

Of course, this is not a reason to give up your medication if you are depressed. On the contrary, a stable dose of antidepressants can help deal with the causes of nightmares.

There are other drugs that can ruin your night. For example, beta blockers. If you have trouble sleeping because of them, do not stop taking or reduce the dose yourself. It is better to consult your doctor: he may prescribe other medications.

6. You eat before bed

Why do you have bad dreams: you eat before bed

Finally, the most common suspects for nightmares are nighttime snacks. The National Sleep Foundation explains that the process of digesting food increases brain activity during sleep. This increases the risk of bad dreams.

Still unable to cope with your nighttime gore? Then feast on cheddar (it might make you dream of a celebrity), but avoid the stilton (this cheese is the cause of strange dreams). At least that's what the British Cheese Board claims in their bizarre, unscientific study. You have a whole night ahead of you to test his findings.