5 Reasons You Are Having Nightmares
Psychology Today defines nightmares as dreams that evoke “fear, anxiety, or sadness. Everyone has had a nightmare at one point or another i remember my first nightmare being about a giant spider after killing a little spider.
WanjiruWarobi 
During the teen and young adult years, girls appear to have nightmares more often than boys do. Some people have them as adults or throughout their lives. But why do we get nightmares well according to Mayo clinic research here are a few reasons;
1. Stress or anxiety.
Sometimes the ordinary stresses of daily life, such as a problem at home or school, trigger nightmares. A major change, such as a move or the death of a loved one, can have the same effect. Experiencing anxiety is associated with a greater risk of nightmares. Trauma. Nightmares are common after an accident, injury, physical or sexual abuse, or other traumatic events. Nightmares are common in people who have (PTSD).
2. Sleep deprivation.
Changes in your schedule that cause irregular sleeping and waking times or that interrupt or reduce the amount of sleep you get can increase your risk of having nightmares. Insomnia is associated with an increased risk of nightmares. Medications. Some drugs including certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease or to help stop smoking can trigger nightmares.
3. Substance misuse
. Alcohol and recreational drug use or withdrawal can trigger nightmares. Other disorders. Depression and other mental health disorders may be linked to nightmares. Nightmares can happen along with some medical conditions, such as heart disease or cancer. Having other sleep disorders that interfere with adequate sleep can be associated with having nightmares.
4. Scary books and movies. For some people, reading scary books or watching frightening movies, especially before bed, can be associated with nightmares.
So what can you do to reduce the nightmares?
1. Exercise for those who are stressed
.This will help alleviate nightmare-causing anxiety and stress. Try yoga and meditation to relax your mind.
2. Keep a regular sleep schedule
3. Make your bedroom a relaxing place to prevent sleep deprivation.
4. Avoid using narcotics, caffeine, and alcohol before you head to bed.
