Are you having nightmares?

Nightmares are disturbing dreams that clatter you awake from a deep sleep. The subjects of nightmares vary from person to person and are often spontaneous. They can be caused by a variety of factors and underlying disorders. Some people have nightmares after having a late night snack as it increases metabolism and signals the brain to be more active. Medications such as antidepressants and sleep deprivation are also known to contribute to nightmare regularity. Nightmares can also be caused by certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.

Here's what you can do to cultivate a healthier sleep:

• Don't go to bed angry or stressed
• Have a regular sleep pattern
• Avoid eating food right before bed
• Reduce exposure to violent images, especially in the evenings
• Avoid sleeping on your back as it encourages sleep paralysis, in which you feel like you are awake and alert. At the same time, you cannot move, feel breathless or sense an unknown presence in the room
• Start exercising as moderate exercise increases the quality of sleep
• Try keeping fresh flowers or aromatic oils in your bedroom as research has shown that good smells positively effect your dreams

If your nightmares occur regularly for more than a week, consider seeing a counsellor!