Everyone experiences dreams during nighttime sleep. Some dreams are pleasant and leave us feeling refreshed in the morning, but others are so frightening and bizarre that they disrupt sleep. Many people wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, finding it difficult to fall back asleep.
This problem is not limited to adults; it's also seen in children. Many children cry in fear at night or suddenly sit up. Recurring nightmares or bad dreams can indicate something is amiss – your routine, diet, environment, or mental state could be contributing factors.
Why Do We Have Nightmares? 4 Major Reasons
- Eating Before Bed: Eating late at night and immediately going to sleep hinders digestion. Some even eat in bed, leading to uncleanliness. Poor digestion impacts the body and mind, disrupting sleep and causing strange or frightening dreams.
- Influence of Negative Energy: A negative atmosphere in your room or home, such as constant arguments, tension, or a feeling of heaviness, affects sleep. Sleeping in such an environment prevents mental relaxation and can lead to nightmares. A clean and calm room promotes better sleep.
- Astrological or Pitru Dosha: Sometimes, bad dreams are due to astrological reasons. If your horoscope indicates Pitru Dosha (ancestral debt) or unfavorable planetary influences, it can manifest in sleep and dreams. Consulting a reputable astrologer or priest is advisable in such cases.
- Excessive Stress or Anxiety: Worrying about something all day, repeatedly thinking about it, or experiencing anxiety keeps these thoughts swirling in your mind. Even during sleep, the mind remains restless, resulting in frightening or strange dreams. This problem can worsen with a lack of mental peace.
Easy Home Remedies to Avoid Nightmares – Achieve Peaceful Sleep
If you or your children experience nightmares, some simple home remedies can provide relief. These remedies not only calm the mind but also dispel negative energy from your surroundings.
- Use Alum (Fitkari): Place alum under your bed before sleeping. Wrapping alum in black cloth and placing it under the bed is a very effective remedy. It reduces the likelihood of nightmares. If your child wakes up in fear at night, place a small piece of alum by their pillow. This will reduce their fear and help them sleep better.
- Recite Hanuman Chalisa: If you feel mentally exhausted or easily frightened, recite Hanuman Chalisa before bed. This not only provides mental peace but also protects against nightmares. Reciting Hanuman Chalisa infuses positive energy, leading to sound and peaceful sleep.
- Burn Camphor (Karpoor): Burn camphor in your home before sleeping. Burning camphor eliminates negative energy and purifies the atmosphere. The fragrance of camphor soothes the mind and helps prevent nightmares. This remedy can benefit every family member, promoting better sleep.
- Keep a Small Knife Near Children: If your child cries in fear or wakes up suddenly at night, keep a small knife by their pillow. This is a traditional remedy that provides a sense of security and helps them sleep peacefully. This remedy is particularly useful for children and improves their sleep.
Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Nightmares
- Sleep and wake up at the same time every day. This regulates the body's internal clock.
- Stop using screens 30 minutes before bed. Watching mobile phones or TV keeps the mind active, which can lead to nightmares.
- Eat light and have dinner 2 hours before bedtime. Heavy meals cause digestive discomfort, disrupting sleep.
- Practice meditation or pranayama for a while. This promotes mental calmness and reduces stress.
- Keep your bedroom clean, quiet, and dark. This creates a comfortable and secure environment, improving sleep.
Frequent nightmares disrupting sleep can be a serious indication. Don't take it lightly. By adopting the above-mentioned remedies and habits, you can get rid of these dreams and enjoy peaceful, deep sleep.
