What are the causes of bad dreams?

Nightmares can occur when unresolved emotions from the day are carried into sleep, especially after intense experiences like watching scary movies or playing stimulating video games. Mental health issues, medications, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to an increase in nightmares. Additionally, developmental stages can play a role in causing nightmares, such as in children whose minds are still developing.

Children may experience nightmares due to their limited ability to process and understand their environment, leading to harmless experiences being perceived as threatening in their dreams. It is important for individuals experiencing nightmares to share their experiences with a trusted adult or seek help from healthcare professionals like psychologists.

Tiina Paunio, a professor of psychiatry and chief physician at the University of Helsinki, THL, and Hus, emphasizes the importance of addressing and understanding the causes of nightmares for effective treatment. Nightmares can impact sleep quality and overall well-being, so seeking support and addressing underlying issues is crucial for managing them effectively.