What Causes Nightmares

Nightmares are very distressing dreams that cause strong feelings of fear. These dreams consist of a negative content, often accompanied by sadness or anxiety. Nightmares are more common in children than in adults. There are a number of different causes for nightmares. Let’s know more about it.

Eating just before going to bed increases metabolism and brain activity. It can be one of the main causes of nightmares.

Stress, depression and anxiety are more commonly associated with nightmares. In most cases, it is observed that some major life events are responsible for nightmares.

Some nightmares may be caused by certain drugs and medications, such as sleeping pills. Nightmare may result from adverse reaction to a drug. Some physical conditions such as fever and illness are also found to be associated with nightmares.

The nightmares of early childhood reflect the struggle to deal with normal childhood problems and fears.

Some people experience nightmares after facing some traumatic events, such as surgery, accident or traumatic brain injury. The content of such nightmares is typically related to traumatic events.

Some people experience the nightmares after undergoing stress in their lives such as moving, change in job, financial concerns, etc.

Those who tend to be more sensitive, creative and emotional than average are often prone to nightmares.

Death of a beloved one (bereavement) can also be one of the causes of nightmares.

Alcoholism or alcohol abuse and abrupt alcohol withdrawal is also responsible for nightmares.

Some of the sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, sleep terror disorder and narcolepsy can lead to nightmares.