Despite numerous studies, dreams remain a complex phenomenon, and there is still much that scientists do not understand about them. Dreams are stories and images created by our minds while we sleep. Each person on this planet witnesses at least three to six dreams per night, with each dream lasting from 5 to 20 minutes, according to Medical News Today. Dreams can be romantic, bizarre, or, in some cases, they can serve as frightening visions known as nightmares.
Why do we dream? Sigmund Freud, one of the founding fathers of modern psychology, believed that dreams are a way for the mind to release repressed thoughts and feelings, as noted by Scientific American. However, scientists today are divided on the topic; some believe that dreams have no meaning, while others believe they are a subconscious process in the brain to drain emotions or mental trauma. Nightmares, in particular, are a subject that puzzles scientists because they can be not only confusing but also extremely painful.
Why do we experience nightmares? It is difficult to definitively determine why people have nightmares, although we know they frequently occur during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. While scientists cannot pinpoint a precise cause, they have been able to link several factors to an increased likelihood of frightening dreams. These triggers include stress or anxiety, trauma, sleep deprivation, certain medications, substance abuse, and high consumption of scary books and films, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, a person may have frightening dreams often enough to be diagnosed with "nightmare disorder."
How can I stop feeling nightmares? As far as scientists know, it is impossible to entirely eliminate nightmares. However, there are several ways to treat bad dreams depending on the presumed cause, according to researchers at Harvard University. Firstly, it is essential to identify the cause of stress, if present. Scientists explained that if a stress factor is identified, effective ways to deal with it should be found. They stated, "For nightmares caused by medication, changing dosages or prescribing different medications may be necessary." Those suffering from post-traumatic nightmares or chronic nightmares may benefit from seeking psychotherapy. Some studies have also found that individuals with nightmares may be able to alleviate their distress by changing their sleeping position. Specifically, assistant professor at Hong Kong University, Calvin Kai-Ching Yu, found that those who slept on their backs experienced more nightmares and had difficulty recalling their dreams. Yu explained, "Different sleeping positions may create pressure on various parts of the body, and bodily sensations may be sources of dream elements."
What side should I sleep on? It is generally advised to sleep in the most comfortable position for each individual, as this contributes to not disrupting sleep quality. However, a study led by Dr. Muhammad Yucel Agargun at Yozgat Bozok University found that people who sleep on their right side dream of safety and comfort. Meanwhile, sleeping on the left side may be associated with intense feelings and insecurity.
The Most Common Frightening Dreams
While nightmares are not enjoyable, some may be shared among many people. In fact, most nightmares experienced by individuals, assuming they are not trauma-related, are quite common. A study surveying 2,000 people found that falling is the most common nightmare. The second most common experience involves being chased, followed by death, and then the experience of feeling lost. In fifth and sixth place are feelings of being trapped and under attack. The list of the ten most common nightmares includes missing an important event, waking up late, the death of a family member, and being injured.
