Why Are Your Dreams Weird?
By Sara Butler
It happens sometimes: You have a totally crazy dream and wake up wondering where the heck it came from. It could be a nightmare or it could be a dream you daydream about for days or weeks to come, but the question still lingers -- why do really intense dreams happen? Before you start analyzing why you went to work naked on the day of your big presentation, here are a few common reasons behind crazy and intense dreams. If you know what causes them, then you can avoid them in order to sleep better at night.
Spicy Food
Maybe your raided your fridge and finally had those spicy Thai leftovers right before bed. That zesty food may be the key to your dreams. Fiery foods right before bed have been found to cause bad dreams. It’s theorized this happens due to the increase in metabolism and body temperature you experience eating them, which then increases brain activity during the stage of sleep where dreams take place. So, lay off the spice before bed if your dreams are strange afterward.
You Take Melatonin
Some people need help with sleep, so they take melatonin supplements to help. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps you fall asleep. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping and started taking these supplements, you may notice your dreams have gotten weird. That’s because your body may be making up for lost REM sleep. You’re simply very deeply asleep, so your dreams can be more intense.
Always make sure you speak with a healthcare professional before starting any supplements!
You Watched TV
If you’ve had a day filled with Netflix binge-watching, then it’s no wonder your dreams got strange. Remember, dreams come from the subconscious mind, so if you’ve been watching hours of zombie shows, then your brain may focus on it.
You’re Stressed Out
Stress and anxiety can lead to some super strange dreams. Your brain has to find a way to process the stress it goes through each day, so working through negative emotions in dreams is something that can occur. During REM sleep, emotional modification can take place – so think about the stress you’ve been under if your dreams have gotten a little nuts lately.
Now that you know what's causing those crazy dreams, you can take steps to end them -- if you want!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.