Do you have nightmares a lot? Many people think that having more dreams and nightmares just don't sleep well, but if nightmares occur frequently, they may also be related to health problems.
Scientists have been studying the link between dreams and health, trying to learn more about physical health from dreams.
There is no scientific evidence that dreams can predict a particular disease. But there is some evidence that multiple dreams and repeated dreaming may indicate certain health problems.
You may have nightmares when you are sick with a fever
If you're the type to ignore the signs that you're under the weather, maybe a freaky nightmare will prove the point. Being sick can trigger nightmares, according to the Mayo Clinic, especially if your illness is accompanied by a fever. If you weren't paying attention to what your body was trying to tell you before, the morning after that weird nightmare is the time to tune in! Mayo Medical Center says being sick can be a nightmare, especially when patients have symptoms of fever. If you haven't noticed changes in your body before, then after a strange nightmare, you should pay attention the next morning!
Certain dreams indicate excessive stress
When we ignore what's taxing us, those stressors can follow us to bed. Sometimes, stress can manifest itself as common dream themes like missing a plane or an oncoming tidal wave, according to DoctorOz.com. Other times, a particularly bizarre dream might help you realize it's time to slow down. Some say that stress dreams might actually be helpful if they reveal what's truly bothering you and point to why you're feeling that way. DoctorOz.com website reports, stress sometimes turns into common dreams, such as not catching a plane or an impending tsunami. Other times, a particularly strange dream may make you realize it's time to relax. Some argue that if a stressful dream reveals what is really bothering you and points out why you feel that way, then the dream itself may actually help you.
Falling too quickly in blood sugar can lead to nightmares
If people with diabetes experience a serious dip in blood sugar, one possible symptom can be bad dreams and nightmares, according to WebMD. Taking too much insulin or certain medications can cause this drop, called hypoglycemia. Of course, most people with diabetes will learn to recognize early symptoms of low blood sugar before nightmares point out the problem. But hypoglycemia can occur during sleep.
According to the healthcare services website WebMD, people with diabetes can have nightmares if their blood sugar drops severely. Taking too much insulin or certain medications can lead to hypoglycemia. Of course, most people with diabetes can detect early symptoms of low blood sugar before nightmares warn them. But hypoglycemia can occur during sleep.
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Dreaming may be a good thing for pregnant women
Many a mother can attest to dreaming more while pregnant. Over those nine months, dreams seem to increase in general, but strange or vivid dreams can become particularly common. Although more -- and scarier -- dreams aren't necessarily pleasant, a mom-to-be with strange or upsetting dreams might actually be in luck: An Israeli study of 166 pregnant women found that the more harrowing dreams a woman had, the less likely she was to develop postpartum depression. Many moms confirm that they dream more during pregnancy. During these nine months, dreams seem to have generally increased, but bizarre and realistic dreams may become particularly common. While having more and more frightening dreams doesn't make people happy, moms who have strange or disturbing dreams may actually be lucky: An Israeli study of 166 pregnant women found that the more painful a woman had, the less likely she was to suffer from postpartum depression.
Some specific groups of people should seek medical attention in time if they have the following conditions
If stress and anxiety can cause such strange and often upsetting dreams, it should come as no surprise that more serious mental health conditions can similarly interrupt your sleep. Bipolar disorder is known to cause vivid or bizarre dreams in some people, according to WebMD. And a study of Vietnam veterans found that 52 percent of combat vets with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had nightmares fairly often, compared to only 3 percent of civilians, according to the U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs. If you find yourself experiencing nightmares or very vivid dreams frequently, considering discussing your sleep with your doctor. Seeking treatment for both of these conditions can improve the quality of your sleep. According to WebMD, bipolar disorder can cause some people to have realistic and bizarre dreams. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a study of Vietnam Veterans found that 52 percent of veterans with PTSD often have nightmares, compared with just 3 percent of the average person. If you find yourself having frequent nightmares or very realistic dreams, you should consider telling your doctor about your sleep status. Seeking treatment for both conditions can improve the quality of your sleep.
Source: Huffington Post Editor: Dong Jing
Source: chinadaily.com.cn