What Causes Frequent Nightmares?

Jul 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've noticed that I often have nightmares, and upon waking up, my myopia becomes particularly worse. Doctor, what causes frequent nightmares?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
There are several causes of frequent nightmares, mainly including the following: 1. Physiological factors: Improper sleeping posture that compresses the heart or chest, causing physical discomfort, can lead to nightmares. 2. Psychological factors: Emotional states such as high mental stress, chronic tension, anxiety, fear, and psychological trauma caused by significant life events can overexcite the cerebral cortex, leading to nightmares. 3. Personality factors: Individuals with timid, introverted, or sensitive personalities may also experience nightmares more frequently. 4. Medical conditions: Certain diseases such as depression and anxiety, as well as pathological conditions described in traditional Chinese medicine such as kidney essence deficiency and damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, may also cause frequent nightmares. 5. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Excessively stimulating activities before bedtime, such as watching horror movies or listening to thrilling stories, may also increase the risk of nightmares. If nightmares persist and affect the quality of daily life, prompt medical consultation is recommended.