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Doctor insights on: Bad Dreams

Probably Not: Sometimes introducing something new can temporarily change the sleep cycle. Maybe if there is something in it like caffeine that alters sleep. It seems unlikely though. ...Read more

Possible adrenaline: There is a circadian rhythm in your adrenaline output. Adrenaline rises in the morning and helps us get our day started. It is possible that you are recognizing this adrenaline release or that it is provoking some anxiety causing hyperventilation. Keep a diary and see your physician if your heart rate is consistently over 100 BPM are respiration above 20 per minute. ...Read more

Nightmares: When we dream, our unconscious is playing out our conflicts, fears, anxieties, and desires. Some feel that all the characters are parts of us, perhaps disowned aspects that make us uncomfortable in waking life. Dreams are also a relatively safe way to express strong emotion. Consulting with a psychiatrist or therapist may help you better understand yourself and the triggers for these nightmares. ...Read more

See a professional: Bad dreams are a symptom of an underlying emotional issue. You should be trying deal with the underlying cause, not the symptom. A good psychotherapist should be able to help you get to the bottom of the problem so you don't have to keep having bad dreams. See a psychologist, or a psychiatrist (in person!) who specializes in psychotherapy. ...Read more

Yes, Prazosin: Prazosin is an older blood pressure medication (alpha receptor blocker) that has been found in a number of studies to be helpful for nightmares and bad dreams, especially in ptsd patients. This is an off-label use, you take it each night. Common side effects include lightheadedness/orthostasis and low energy. Usual dosing for this purpose can be 1 mg to 10 mg but some patients go much higher. ...Read more

Can be side effect: Vivid dreams & nightmares can be related to antidepressants. You might want to talk with your psychiatrist about this, to see if your medications can be adjusted. Even though experiencing vivid dreams may be a medication side effect, their form and specific contents are very individual in nature -- and may be something to address with your therapist. ...Read more

Multiple possible: There are multiple possible causes for this -- from various medications which intensify dreaming, to primary sleep disorders, to traumatic experiences being relived during sleep. Some people with ptsd have so many nightmares it's hard for them to go to sleep. If yours are bothering you frequently, please see a psychologist or psychiatrist for evaluation and help. ...Read more

Nightmares: When we dream, our unconscious is playing out our conflicts, fears, anxieties, and desires. Some feel that all the characters are parts of us, perhaps disowned aspects that make us uncomfortable in waking life. Dreams are also a relatively safe way to express strong emotion. Consulting with a psychiatrist or therapist may help you better understand yourself and the triggers for these nightmares. ...Read more

Probably Not: Sometimes introducing something new can temporarily change the sleep cycle. Maybe if there is something in it like caffeine that alters sleep. It seems unlikely though. ...Read more

Eval & treament: "bad dreams" can come from many sources, and talking with your doctor can help sort through them. Medications such as antidepressants can make dreaming more vivid -- and concerns you actually have inside can be pictured in scary ways. Also, recreational drugs and withdrawal from alcohol can induce them. Another cause is reliving traumatic experiences in sleep. Treatment and hope are possible. ...Read more

Ideas: So there are a lot of theories about the content of dreams. You have to figure out the difference between "bad dreams/nightmares/terrors" etc. This helps. Dream recall can be helpful and documentation of these dreams since they often recur in various modes of issue not dealt with. They tend to occur more often if you don't get adequate amount of sleep or with alcohol/medications. ...Read more

Death dreams: I agree with dr. Franz that dreaming of death may signify change, rather than actual death. But I find it's more helpful for the dreamer to interpret his/her own dreams, than relying on a book. These ideas can be a starting point, but you don't want to miss your own inner wisdom! Discussing these dreams & concerns with a good therapist could help you decode them in ways more applicable to you. ...Read more

Nightmares: Nightmares can be caused by physiological factors such as sleeping in uncomfortable position or having fever, or psychological reasons such as stress or anxiety. ...Read more

Expert help: You could see such an expert personally about your bad dreams. Doctors (like us) who've never met you can only guess about them. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals would be happy to explore this problem with you. That way you'd receive more appropriate suggestions too. Best wishes! ...Read more

Yes: If you allow them too....Dreams are symbolic language and often tell us some very interesting things...write them down and look up the symbols. Then they are less scarey...like death dreams mean there is change coming...not death. Different parts of a house mean different parts of your psyche. Dreams are meant to help not harm... ...Read more

Then get eval: Reasons for "bad dreams" are extremely variable. Your idea of getting "expert help" is excellent. However, getting a reliable answer will require an in-person evaluation with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed mental health professional. Some bad dreams can come from medications, alcohol, or other substances; sleep disorders; traumatic experiences, etc. Best wishes. ...Read more

Normal: Many people have more frightening dreams as young children than they do as they grow up. Maybe what happens is that our brains are gradually better able to understand what is happening around us... What is really frightening and what is not. ...Read more

Generally: Nightly bad dreams can mean you are troubled by something. Your unconscious is trying to help you process this through the dreams. It could help to talk with a therapist about these dreams and any concerns you have in your waking life. With this, the dreams may dissipate. ...Read more

Yes, but see PCP.: Depends on what causes it. Need to see a psychiatrist/sleep specialist to see if is due to a traumatic event, night mares or night terrors. It depends on what causes it, psychotherapy can help and a medicine that has been used is called prazosin. ...Read more

Get an exam: Typically cold night sweats are signs of anxiety, and having your body feel warm to the touch causing hot night sweats could signal a possible thyroid condition. Best to see a practitioner to sort it out. The dreams are either random or possibly anxiety based. If anxiety is an issue for you, talking it through may help. But get an exam as well. ...Read more

Dreams: Dreams have many meanings. Find a referral to a psychoanalyst to discuss your dreams with. Working with dreams and the unconscious is all about what we psychoanalysts do. ...Read more

Night mares?: It seems u r having nightmares, perhaps u can benefit from seeing a therapist for therapy. Good luck. ...Read more

No - but...: Bad dreans per se cannot cause an abruption of the placenta. However, if by bad dreams you mean obstructive sleep apnea (snoring) associated with obesity and high blood pressure - then yes, these factors can lead to placental abruption! ...Read more

Improve sleep hygiene: We remember our dreams when we wake up or are in light sleep during dream cycles. Be sure to eat a small protein snack before be to sleep soundly and avoid all the negative habits that interfere with quality sleep such as alcohol, intense exercise or using electronics. ...Read more

Alcohol and dreams: Alcohol can induce disturbing nightmares, even in those who aren't alcoholics. If your husband is an alcoholic, he is exacerbating his own symptoms. If he's interested in improving this situation, stopping or significantly limiting alcohol would likely help -- but alcohol withdrawal can lead to disturbing dreams and visions also. ...Read more

Evaluation needed: Bad dreams may be a symptom of a number of things, such as stress or a medical problem interfering with sleep. I recommend thorough evaluations by psychologist and md. ...Read more

Recurrent dream: Is often a conflict dream - your brain is trying to work through an issue. Often once that issue is addressed, the dream will stop. Ponder it yourself. If needed, seeing a therapist could be of help. ...Read more

Drinking it!: Drinking alcohol can trigger nightmares. Alcohol is associated with more intense dreaming as well as better recall of dreams. Also when coming off alcohol individuals can have disrupted sleep and dream more as well. ...Read more

Yes, Prazosin: Prazosin is an older blood pressure medication (alpha receptor blocker) that has been found in a number of studies to be helpful for nightmares and bad dreams, especially in ptsd patients. This is an off-label use, you take it each night. Common side effects include lightheadedness/orthostasis and low energy. Usual dosing for this purpose can be 1 mg to 10 mg but some patients go much higher. ...Read more