Night terrors usually occur in the early morning, in deep sleep. And every person on earth sees them about once a month. Of course, nightmares are unpleasant and we strive to forget them as soon as possible. But from the point of view of psychology, they are useful.
A nightmare as a reflection of internal conflicts
From the point of view of psychoanalysis, sleep – road to the unconscious. And from the point of view of Gestalt therapy – a reflection of ourselves, our unexperienced emotions and desires. Thus, it turns out that fear and anxiety are experienced in a dream, while in reality we do not allow ourselves to experience these feelings.
It is very important to analyze what this fear refers to. Think back to the past day or two. Analyze what happened, what emotions you experienced most often, which ones you suppressed, who you met, what feelings you associate these people with, etc. So, for example, if we are afraid to show our anger to other people, then perhaps in nightmares, we will dream of a maniac or other aggressive person.
When we sleep, our unconscious is actively working on our mental health. It symbolically reflects our internal conflicts, thus softening the latter. But sleep only marks the way, and our task – consciously work through and experience the psychological meaning of the nightmare. And this can be done with the help of a psychologist.
Determinants of nightmares: alcohol and drugs
In addition to psychological causes (post-traumatic states, fears, aggressive impulses, depressive moods, conflict situations, expectation of changes, etc.), there are other determinants of nightmares: the influence of drugs, alcohol and certain medications. Many of them disrupt the natural phases of sleep by skipping the first phase, going straight into deep sleep. Thus, after the weakening of the effect of alcohol, the brain intensively tries to catch up with the lost time, and often in a negative way. As a result, nightmares are guaranteed.
Illness. Especially at high temperatures, nightmares are often not dreamed, which is associated with an altered consciousness at this time.
Poor sleep hygiene (unventilated room, noise and loud noises, uncomfortable bed, mattress or pillow, watching movies (horror, thrillers) for a long time before bed, fatty foods at night, etc.).
But whatever your dreams are, remember: the more varied the dreams, the more interesting they are, as they reflect your spiritual world.
Add a comment