What causes nightmares at night?
Apr 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Having nightmares at night may be caused by watching frightening content, which produces negative stimulation to the brain. It could also be due to prolonged low mood in individuals with depression, who lose interest in everything and frequently experience suicidal thoughts or nightmares. Additionally, excessive secretion of thyroid hormones may increase excitability of the nervous system, thereby disrupting sleep and leading to nightmares.
Nightmares at night may be caused by physiological factors, or they could result from pathological conditions such as depression or hyperthyroidism.
1. Physiological Factors
Nightmares might occur due to recent mental stress, high pressure, experiencing fright or stimulation, or watching frightening content, all of which can negatively stimulate the brain. In daily life, it's important to regulate emotions properly. Listening to soft music before bedtime and engaging in moderate exercise regularly can help improve symptoms.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Depression
Patients often experience prolonged low mood, loss of interest in activities, slowed thinking, and may frequently exhibit suicidal thoughts or have nightmares. It is recommended to take medications such as mirtazapine tablets, fluoxetine tablets, or amitriptyline tablets under a doctor’s guidance to help slow disease progression.
2) Hyperthyroidism
Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases the excitability of the nervous system, which can disrupt sleep at night and lead to nightmares. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and increased appetite. Under medical supervision, medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, carbimazole tablets, or methimazole tablets are recommended to suppress thyroid hormone secretion and alleviate symptoms.
In addition, nightmares may also be caused by sleep apnea syndrome. It is advisable to visit a specialized hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests and receive standardized treatment under medical guidance.
