Interesting question! I think I’ve read that dreams are frequently your subconscious working out stress from the day. It’s interesting that using an alpha blocking blood pressure med sometimes suppresses night terrors in those (such as combat veterans) with PTSD. On the other hand, beta blockers antihypertensives, meds for restless legs or Parkinson’s, stimulants, and some antibiotics can cause nightmares.
However, one thing I’ve noticed as a father is that having a full bladder gives you a peculiar urgency to your dreams–and many times, my 3 (particularly when they were young) have had to go to the bathroom urgently right after waking with a bad one. I’ve found the same if I drink too much water. (I’m not being silly; it’s just very interesting to me how these things work out)
Nabeel Qureshi, the Christian write and convert from Ahmadiyya Islam, wrote of mystic books that “interpreted” various symbols from dreams; but I’m a bit skeptical of thinking of them as messages from God. I’ve heard of stories both for and against Christianity in this respect. It seems that we can interpret what we want when we don’t understand things.
Hypnagogic phenomena can involve jerking and vivid visions or sounds as you fall asleep. This can come from being very tired. The visions can be terrifying–like seeing a stranger by your bedside, etc, that then vanishes. However, they are very natural.
Here’s a list of suggestions for nightmares I read: (of course, I’m not trying to treat you or anyone else. This is for discussion only).I wonder if others have found this sort of problem and response.
Thanks.
Good practice recommendations include the following:
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Seek out healthy social interaction to promote emotional stability and sense of wellbeing.
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Take a warm shower and empty the bladder prior to sleep.
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Exercise regularly, but not within four hours of sleep time.
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Avoid greasy fatty foods close to bedtime. Do not skip meals, as hunger may influence sleep quality.
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Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine close to bedtime.
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Keep a consistent schedule for sleep and daytime function.
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Sleep in a comfortable environment that is conducive to good sleep (appropriate bedding, temperature, noise levels, etc).
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Establish a healthy, relaxing bedtime routine.
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Avoid television, computers, and screens (such as smart phones or tablets) for at least an hour before bedtime.
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Use bed only for sleep and intimacy (stimulus control).