Common Nightmares And Their Meanings: All You Need To Know

A terrifying dream that causes anxiety, distress, or fear can be defined as a nightmare. Most dreams or nightmares are experienced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, REM sleep generally occurs in the second half of the sleep period. 

In psychology, nightmares are considered to be a normal thing. Still, when they happen frequently and are focused on a specific topic, it’s better to consider the support of a mental or physical health provider.

In this blog, we will be taking a deep look at the common nightmares, why they occur, the psychology behind them, and how to deal with them.

Let’s get started! 

What are Nightmares?

Nightmares are frightening dreams that cause fear, anxiety, or stress. The feelings of anxiety or fear are caused by various factors such as personal life events, sleep disorders, and more.

Most dreams or nightmares are experienced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, REM sleep generally occurs in the second half of the sleep period. 

Nightmares can leave people embarrassed, vulnerable, and anxious. What triggers nightmares or why they happen is still a mystery for a lot of researchers and psychologists around the world.

It is a significant problem that is hard to control or manage. Frequent nightmares can make your regular functioning challenging. 

Common Examples of Nightmares 

Nightmares can occur because of various reasons. Some nightmares share common plots or themes. Below listed are the most common types of nightmares: 

• Being chased by someone or something that can be dangerous for your health 
• Being naked in public 
• Being tapped 
• Being in a vehicle out of control 
• Being extremely late to office, event, or meetings 
• Falling from heights
• Getting attacked or injured by an animal, place, thing, or person
• Having to take a test without any preparations 
• Needing to pee but can’t find a washroom 

What causes Nightmares? 

Nightmares are disturbing, if they happen rarely, it can be a normal thing. However, if they happen frequently with intensity, it’s important to take a look at possible causes first. Nightmares occur in the second half of the sleep hours (REM Sleep). The exact cause of nightmares still remains uncertain.

Research shows that there could be various reasons. Some research shows that nightmares are related to health conditions, psychological stress, and others. Below listed are some of the other possible factors behind the occurrence of nightmares: 

• Anxiety 
• Bipolar disorder
• Bug infestation
• Catching fire
• Consuming dinner late 
• Consuming horror movies or content before sleep 
• Consuming antidepressants 
• Depression 
• Eating more spicy foods 
• Earthquakes
• Feelings of regret or guilt
• Getting shot
• Major life changes or situations 
• Nightmare disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Restless legs syndrome 
• Substance abuse
• Sleep deprivation 
• Sleep apnea 
• Taking blood pressure medications 
• tornadoes
• Withdrawal from alcohol or certain medications 

• Teeth falling out 

Types of Nightmares 

Below are some of the common types of nightmares: 

1. Frequent nightmares 

Nightmares that are frequent and start to impact your health and sleep are known as frequent nightmares or chronic nightmares. They generally happen because of physical or psychological reasons. In such cases, it is important to consult with a mental or physical health provider. 

2. Single-occurrence nightmares

Single-occurrence nightmares are the type of nightmares that occur once a year. Such nightmares are common and generally don’t call for further actions or concerns. Even if nightmares occur once in a month or week, they can be common.

Such nightmares are caused by stress or non-traumatic events that happen during the day, week, or month. If you can’t stop thinking about the nightmare or it is distressing, you can still reach out to a mental health professional for further help. 

3. Nightmares during pregnancy 

Nightmares can be common during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of mood swings, hormonal imbalances, uncertainty, physical changes, mental preparation, and whatnot.

Generally, nightmares during pregnancy are not of much concern, however, if they are frequent and intense, connecting with a physical or mental health provider can help.

Some common examples of nightmares during pregnancy may include: 

• giving birth naturally
• giving birth unnaturally or unexpectedly 
• baby being born with a condition 
• about being trapped 
• about drowning 
• about the baby’s safety, protection, and responsibilities 
• about the baby being physically harmed 
• about being pregnant and slipping down the stairs 

4. PTSD Nightmares

Nightmares during PTSD can be frightening and triggering. Nightmares are one of the common symptoms of PTSD and can often happen after experiencing a traumatic event. Triggering and frightening nightmares with PTSD calls for immediate action by a mental health professional. 

5. Recurring nightmares

Recurring nightmares are frequent type nightmares that cause anxiety, fear, or depression. Such nightmares follow a theme or plot, the dreams can be different every time you experience them, however, the plot or theme can be the same.

For example, being chased by a snake in different locations. Such nightmares call for action because they can be a sign of an unresolved psychological issue that needs to be diagnosed or understood by a certified and experienced mental health professional. 

6. Waking nightmares

Waking nightmares also known as sleep paralysis happen when someone experiences a short period of nightmare just before falling asleep or waking up. All dreams are not nightmares but they can also be hallucinations caused by negative experiences or bad sleeping positions. 

Can Nightmares be Warnings? 

Researchers are still waiting to unfold the science or psychology behind dreaming, there are multiple theories supporting dreams. For example, the neurocognitive theory in psychology states that dreams are by-products of our natural evolution. I did some research and I was not able to find theories related to nightmares being a warning.

However, one theory suggests that nightmares might be a sign of underlying mental or physical health conditions. Since nightmares are one of the common symptoms of mental health conditions such as major depression, nightmare disorder, PTSD, and others, research shows that nightmares are commonly related to negative feelings, sleep deprivation, and constant worry. 

Treatment for Nightmares

In general, mild, or moderate cases, there’s no treatment required but in severe cases, one must consult with an experienced and certified mental health professional. The first step is to understand the leading factor behind nightmares.

Depending upon the origin of symptoms or problems (emotional or physical), you might have to consider seeing a doctor or psychologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Therapy can be one of the most effective solutions for treating nightmares.

In the therapy system, people are able to discover underlying mental health conditions and receive a proper diagnosis which effectively helps in resolving nightmare-related issues. 

To connect with a mental health professional through online platforms, click below: 

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Self-Help Tips to Deal with Nightmares

Follow the below-listed self-tips to deal with nightmares: 

• Practice sleep hygiene and focus on getting deep sleep
• Avoid eating before bedtime
• Avoid spicy foods before bedtime 
• Take care of physical health-related issues or symptoms
• Practice meditation or systematic relaxation 
• Maintain a dream journal to track the patterns
• Convert your nightmare into something positive

I hope this blog helps you understand common nightmares and their meanings. Comment down and share your queries related to common nightmares. For more such content, connect with us through social media.

Thanks for reading!