Nightmares are an obstacle to good sleep. Sleep is essential for the growth of the brain among children and is a great stress reliever hence it cannot be compromised under any circumstance. However, poor sleeping habits are a catalyst for bad dreams and nightmares. Therefore, an excellent balance of conditions should be maintained to prevent cases of recurrent nightmares from being chronic.
Usually, pieces of a dream tend to wear off a few hours after waking up. However, in some situations, nightmares become a persistent problem which is difficult to overcome.
This article is going to look at how nightmares can be managed or avoided entirely.
There is no reliable research on nightmares and dreams. Data to support any study on dreams are hard to come by because the data are circumstantial instead of facts. Hence, furthering studies on this topic has been an uphill task.
Be Stress-Free
A stress-free life does not mean living a life devoid of problems. It just means observing a life that does not require a lot of pressure to sustain.
Living a stress-free life is almost unimaginable in this age of employment. From working to studying, all spheres of life involve stress. Hence, it is wise to find something that removes the edge.
People have found sports to be an excellent reliever of stress. Sports require a lot of energy and commitment, two components which divert thoughts of stress from the mind. Moreover, sports are enjoyable which is essential in easing stress.
However, some people are not into sports and other active co-curricular activities. Sports is not the only stress-relieving activity. Going on road trips, drawing, reading, and writing are also great stress-relieving activities.
Have A Peaceful Sleep
The dreams we have are sometimes fueled by the places we sleep on or the surroundings we sleep in. It is a proven fact that the texture of the surface of a mattress contributes to the quality of sleep and quality of dreams.
A hard surface is likely to cause discomforts for a person, leading to rolling and tossing throughout the night. The discomfort and unease feed the nightmare because the body is stressed and deprived of comfort which is necessary for a peaceful sleep.
The sleeping position also contributes to nightmares. It is advisable to own a firm mattress which supports sleeping on the back. Sleeping on your back keeps the entire body relaxed and facilitates aeration of the body to prevent discomforts which induce nightmares
Aromatherapy and Use of Flowers
Aromatherapy is the art of using scented natural oils and plants to nourish the emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of a person. This method can be accompanied by beautification with flowers to enhance the mood of a room. The peace cultivated by the good aura help in cultivating good dreams. Pleasant dreams are a great neutralizer of nightmares.
Moreover, the scenery provided by the flowers is a great view to see before going to sleep. It acts as a launchpad for a night of quality good night sleep.
Talk About the Nightmares
A problem is a problem as long as it kept a secret. Sharing emotions, personal views or problems always get people to rally behind someone with a problem and give them the courage to tackle the problem.
Sharing is not an idea people like even if it is a step towards learning how to stop nightmares. But it is the best course of action.
Nightmare is chronic terrifying dreams. Getting to talk about the problems with close friends, professionals, family members encourages a person. The empowerment over the nightmares is a great drive to face the fears of nightmares.
Watch Your Diet
There are some types of foods that when consumed, affects the quality of sleep. The interaction of quality of sleep and dreams cannot be stressed enough. Quality sleep is an excellent catalyst for pleasant dreams. However, poor quality sleep is a cause of bad dreams.
Hence, studies on diets have found out that certain drinks and foods contains certain contents that affect span and overall quality of sleep. Coffee and tea-derived drinks contain caffeine, a strong stimulant which keeps people awake for long.
Over-eating also causes bloating which can be a nuisance a night. The continuous discomforts are a hindrance to a night of peaceful sleep. Therefore, if someone has a chronic case of nightmares, first it is wise to consider what they are eating. Their poor eating habits could be the cause of nightmares.
Professional Help
Visiting a therapist, some people tend to be an admission of poor health which exposes them as vulnerable. Situations like this can make it difficult for someone experiencing nightmares to seek professional help because how is managing their sleep related to seeing a professional.
The need to seek medical intervention for the nightmares are more urgent if a victim has an existing neurological disorder like PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a neurological disease that makes victims relive emotional, and psychological pain vividly repeatedly. This condition can worsen nightmares.