Causes of nightmares in adults

The nightmares they are considered, in general, as a bad dream that produces anxiety , fear , anguish and even terror. They are generated from childhood, before 10 years, but depending on their causes, can manifest throughout life.

In an interview with the Dr. Margarita Reyes Zúniga, specialist of the Sleep Clinic of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) , the nightmares they are a way for our brain (parasomnia) to cope with the tensions and fears of everyday life, caused by various factors (psycho-emotional) that affect the nervous system.

 

Causes of nightmares in adults

According to the specialist psychiatrist sleep disorders , the nightmares They present in the stage of the sleep of fast eye movement and generate greater tension, high cardiac and respiratory frequency, as well as night sweats. Its main causes are:

1. Stress In particular, they are triggered by events that trigger the posttraumatic stress due to strong or significant experiences, but also the work stress It is usually one of its causes.

2. Generalized anxiety disorder. The anxiety and anguish caused mainly by daily pressures or certain phobias, can cause them.

3. Sleep apnea . One of the manifestations of this disorder may be nightmares , so the treatment of it helps eradicate them when they are derived.

4. Depression One of the symptoms of this disease, when they occur chronically or acutely, can cause nightmares , sometimes as a reflection of the subconscious.

5. Indigestion. An overload of the digestive work can trigger them.

When the nightmares They are frequent (up to 3 times a week) and live vividly until fragmenting the sleep and rest of a person, you should seek professional help to determine its causes and the best treatment.

Also, the also member of the Mexican Academy of Sleep Medicine, advises that in case of suffering, you should look for some relaxation therapies, stop working or have physical activity at least two hours before sleep, as well as moderate the consumption of food and alcohol prior to rest.