What causes nightmares?

The causes of nightmares are varied, primarily including non-pathological and pathological factors. 1. Non-pathological factors: These may be related to poor sleeping posture, psychological factors (such as excessive mental tension, high work pressure), and unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as watching horror content before bedtime). These factors can affect sleep quality and subsequently trigger nightmares. 2. Pathological factors: These may involve pathological conditions such as kidney essence deficiency, liver and gallbladder stagnation with heat accumulation, and internal disturbance due to phlegm-heat, as well as psychological disorders such as neurasthenia and anxiety. These medical conditions may directly affect the sleep center and lead to nightmares. When experiencing frequent nightmares, it is recommended to promptly adjust one's mindset and lifestyle habits. If symptoms are severe, seeking help from a professional physician is advised.