Common nightmares such as falling from a height, losing teeth or being chased are manifestations of stress, low self-esteem or feelings of avoidance.
According to a survey of over 2,000 people by Amerisleep, the three most common nightmares include falling from a height, losing teeth and being chased. Dr. Leslie Ellis, education expert and survey author, commented that in the same time frame and culture, people often dream about the same topics. They are related to survival instincts.
Nightmares are often the body’s response to stress or lack of sleep. People who are using drugs to treat chronic diseases are also prone to delirium and nightmares. However, some nightmares have more specific causes.
Research shows that dreaming about free falling is the body’s response when it begins to reach a state of relaxation and fall asleep. However, people with this type of nightmare may be insecure, anxious, and overwhelmed in real life.
More than 63% of people surveyed by Amerisleep said they dreamed about being chased. This is the second most common type of nightmare, according to Dr. Ellis. According to research, dreams of being chased are related to the innate “fight or flight” response (acute stress response). This is a type of physiological response that occurs when the body senses a threat, attack or lurking danger. This nightmare is a signal that the dreamer is stressed or is encountering a difficult situation in real life.
According to occult expert Autumn Fourkiller, dreams of being chased are also related to the things people are avoiding. “Maybe they’re procrastinating on a heavy conversation, a deadline, even simpler things like washing the dishes. Any form of stress in life leads to dreams of being chased. They reflect a state of mind.” people’s avoidance of conflict,” she explained.
The dream of free falling reflects insecurity, anxiety, and overwhelm in real life. Image: Times Of India
Another common nightmare is tooth loss, affecting 34% of people surveyed. This dream originates from many reasons, and can reflect stress, low self-esteem, and fear.
“Teeth are a symbol of pride and strength. Dreams of losing teeth indicate feelings of helplessness and vulnerability,” says the therapist. Megan Harrison said.
Because nightmares often stem from life’s pressures, Doctor Fox sleep expert Dr. Deborah Lee recommends three methods to reduce anxiety and nightmare frequency.
First, she recommends that people avoid looking at blue light screens, such as smartphones, before going to bed. This habit can affect sleep quality and hygiene.
“When you use your phone, you will unconsciously surf the web. At this time, information flows through your head, making it difficult for you to reach a state of relaxation, and difficult to fall back asleep after a nightmare,” she said.
If you try but still can’t sleep, people can read books, listen to gentle music, or listen to white noise. She recommends doing the “4-7-8 breathing exercise.”
Movements include: exhaling completely through the mouth, making a whistling sound; Close your mouth and inhale through your nose, counting 4 times in your head. Next, the practitioner holds their breath and counts to 7. Finally, exhales through the mouth, making a “whooshing” sound and mentally counts to 8. The practitioner repeats three more times for a total of 4 breathing cycles. Practicing 4-7-8 breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest and digestion, bringing the body into a state of relaxation and good sleep.
If nightmares continue, Dr. Lee recommends that people keep a diary, recording their thoughts, feelings, food and alcohol intake. This can help detect habits that lead to nightmares.