What do your nightmares mean?

💤👻💭 ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell My dreams are usually very vivid. About 9 times out of 10 (unofficial stat), I have no clue what my subconscious is trying to tell me. But lately, I’ve been having more bad ones than good. I started to worry about why this might be happening so I did some research. Just in time for Halloween tomorrow, let’s talk about nightmares and what they might mean. • [11 potential benefits of drinking prune juice]( • [Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency]( • [16 natural ways to help boost fertility]( Sweet dreams, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota October 30, 2024 • 2.5 min read [Are nightmares actually warnings?]( what’s got us buzzing [Are nightmares actually warnings?]( Death or injury to a loved one. Failure or helplessness. Being chased. Physical aggression. These are a few of the most [common nightmares]( people experience, according to a [2018 study](. While experts are still studying what dreams really mean (and why we dream in the first place), we do have some insight into what our sleepy brains might be trying to communicate. Rest assured that nightmares don’t necessarily predict or warn of upcoming events. Instead, what you dream about may be more closely linked with the current state of your mental and physical health. Research has found that these factors could influence dream content: - sleep duration - high stress levels - cognitive development - things you’re interested in or worried about - certain health conditions (e.g., [anxiety](, [depression](, [migraine]() One way you can try to exert control over your dreams is by practicing [lucid dreaming techniques](. However, ultimately, we don’t have much conscious control over what we dream about. If bad dreams frequently disrupt your sleep or mood after you wake up, you may have chronic nightmares. Consider speaking with a doctor or therapist about ways to cope. [nightmares vs. night terrors]( Great finds Creepy cake pan [Nordic Ware Skull Bitelets Baking Pan]( [Nordic Ware Skull Bitelets Baking Pan]( Bake your Halloween treats in this Skull Bites baking sheet and scare whoever dares to take a bite. This heavy nonstick pan makes great creepy cakes or ice cube molds for [mocktails](. Fun fact: This is actually the only baking pan I own, so all of my baked goods are skull-shaped year-round. Skeleton chocolate chip banana bread, anyone? [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. FROM OPTUM PERKS [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( Pay less for your diabetes medication with Optum Perks’ free discount card.* Use it at over 64,000 pharmacies across the United States. [START SAVING [→]]( *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 💧 [Risks of chronic dehydration.]( And other facts about not drinking enough water that you should know. 🍫 [6 foods that can reduce anxiety.]( A good reason to eat some more dark chocolate! 💤 [7 drinks that may help you sleep.]( Some yummy sleep aides to sip before bed. 👀 [Can ulcerative colitis cause skin rashes?]( Yes! Here are 10 types to look out for. Thanks for reading! Tell us: Have you ever had a dream come true in your waking life? Tell us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter.) Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by Halloween candy. [fb]( [tiktok]( [X]( [youtube]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2024 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707