How to Avoid Getting Nightmares

Many nightmares are caused by a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, a physical illness, stress or even prescription medication. Follow these tips to sweet dreams.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Journal
• Herbal Teas
• Aromatherapy Soaps
• Yoga Video

1. Relax before bedtime. Meditate, take a hot bath, drink herbal tea or do mild stretching exercises.

2. Clear your mind of worries. Make a list of problems and possible solutions, and then look at them the next day.

3. Avoid watching the evening news, horror movies or movies with graphic violence right before bed.

4. Eat a light snack such as milk or yogurt. Both contain calcium and tryptophan, which can have a relaxing effect.

5. Avoid fatty and spicy foods, which could cause gas and, in turn, nightmares.

6. Give up smoking. Nicotine has been linked to certain sleep disorders.

7. Stop using any drugs that are not essential to your health and well-being.

8. Write down your nightmare when you wake up in a dream journal. Try to figure out how it relates to your life at present to prevent it from recurring.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have frequent nightmares, or if the same theme tends to recur over and over, consider seeing a therapist.
• Prepare for bed by calming your mind and body. Follow a yoga video for a settling stretch and take a hot bath, filled with aromatherapy soaps, that will sooth your mind. As you fall asleep, you'll feel the loss of tension in your muscles and smell the relaxing scents on your skin.
• Consult with your doctor if you suspect prescription medication is the cause of your nightmares.

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[chiphotographer]

on 5/19/2009 WOW- Never would have thought that it was a bad idea to eat a couple habeneros, drink a bottle of wine, and smoke a full pack of cigs before bed while watching CSI.... lol.

[idoit]

on 10/17/2007 I am seeing bad nightmares wich you wake up several times and wash your head then you realize that u still sleeping and the same nightmare continue ,don`t know where is it a nightmare or real life and in my country there are no therapists & I cannot afford to travel to go see one ,please if any one have any idea this is my email: [e-mail]
ps: in general before this happen am a very stable man

on 8/8/2006 When I was little, my dad always told me to not sleep on my back. He said that if you do, you'll get nightmares.

on 11/22/2005 If you can, remember the dream just as you awaken. Write it down if you have to. Then talk to a friend, or a brother or sister, or even your parent about it, and ask what they think. They can give you a different interpretation than you yourself can get out of the nightmare.

on 11/22/2005 Once awakened from a nightmare, immediately make up a different ending. Example: It was a movie, all were actors, no one was hurt. Director yells "Cut! Print!"