Nightmares can be triggered by things you do before bed.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Nightmares can disturb people. Evenings that should be a time to relax and recharge for the next day can be hard to come by when fear and anxiety creep into sleep.
Reported from Huffpost, Monday (4/7/2022), several experts mention the unexpected causes of nightmares. But, don’t worry too much, there’s also tips to help us to enjoy life while reducing the possibility of nightmares.
1. Avoid alcohol, drugs, or supplements
Alcohol can cause rapid eye movement (REM), while antidepressants and opiates can also increase the frequency of nightmares. While it’s not entirely clear why this happens, there’s still a lot that isn’t understood about the brain.
“Increased levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which this substance provides, create changes in the way we dream, often leading to more vivid and vivid dreams. nightmare more intense,” says Emma Sleep’s sleep expert Verena Senn, who has researched sleep and the brain for nearly 15 years.
Melatonin, a supplement that can help with sleep, can also cause nightmares. There is no conclusive evidence on how melatonin affects dreams, but there is a link between high levels of melatonin and nightmares.
“This is because we tend not to leave enough time for the transition between waking and falling asleep,” says sleep expert at the Dormeo Company, Phil Lawlor.
Regarding the consumption of supplements, the way to overcome this can be by consulting a doctor. In addition, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
2. Eat before bed
Snacks before bed can also hurt the brain. “This is because the body will work hard to break down food, and will send signals to the brain to be more active, which can trigger nightmares,” says Lawlor.
In addition, food can disrupt sleep patterns due to night sweats and acid reflux. Sweet foods and spicy foods can trigger more brain waves, two foods that are directly linked to sleep disturbances.
The fix is to eat the last meal between two to three hours before bedtime. Choose the right foods, although there is no conclusive evidence that eating certain foods can help sleep.
