Share This Article
You’re passed the stage in your life when you’re terrified of the dark. So, why do you continue to have terrifying nightmares or strange dreams? Many people wonder what causes weird dreams.
It is true that nightmares and distressing dreams are more prevalent among children under the age of ten. They also afflict a large number of adults: According to research published in psychological publications (1), up to one-third of adults have nightmares at least once a week. Experts believe that dreams occur during REM sleep, which is when your brain is most active. They can’t tell for sure why we dream, however. What, for example, impacts whether our dreams are relaxing and enjoyable or odd and frightening (running from a terrifying figure through the woods—oh no!). Causes of weird dreams can vary, so now let’s look at them.
However, there are several ideas about the substance of such dreadful nightmares.
Causes of Weird Dreams
What can cause weird dreams? Well, there are varying reasons. Some of them may apply to you, so keep reading! Here are some possibilities for why you’re having strange dreams. If you have strange dreams on a frequent basis, you should examine your sleeping and health habits.
High Stress Levels
Some individuals may have nightmares as a result of stress levels that are greater than usual. Anxiety and mood disorders are connected to a greater risk of nightmares, according to study (2).
Taking measures to better control your stress in certain situations may be all you need to keep nightmares at bay. However, if you’re having persistent nightmares or if your nightmares are interfering with your ability to obtain a good night’s sleep, see your doctor.
Too Much Screen Time
Sure, catching up on your favorite programs before bedtime seems like a terrific way to relax. However, your dreams may be weird after you fall asleep (which may take some time due to the blue light generated by your laptop or tablet).
According to studies, viewing television before bed greatly increases the chance of nightmares (3). This is because young children have difficulty distinguishing between what is genuine and what is not, making the content on television more likely to shock them.
Food You Consume
Certain meals may influence how quickly you fall asleep- or not. Foods that promote a restless night’s sleep do more than simply make you toss and turn. They might also make for a wild night of nightmares.
Many individuals claim to have strangely vivid dreams after eating anything hot or heavy, according to anecdotal evidence. Some experts believe this is due to the fact that spicy meals boost your body temperature, which may lead to poor sleep. (4)
References:
1: https://amerisleep.com/blog/5-reasons-why-youre-having-weird-dreams/
2: https://www.healthline.com/health/vivid-dreams-causes
3: https://www.healthline.com/health/vivid-dreams-causes
4: https://www.insider.com/weird-dreams