Why do we have Bad Dreams?

Like many functions of the brain dreams have no simple, straightforward explanation. Medical experts have tried for centuries to analyze and describe dream activity without coming to a final conclusion. One type of dream lends itself to explanation a bit easier than the massive subject of dreams in general. Research has uncovered a few reasons for “bad” dreams.

Bad dreams occur during REM sleep (rapid eye movement). In most cases, we remember these dreams very clearly. That’s unfortunate since most of them involve anxiety, panic and horrible activity we would prefer to forget. So, why do we have bad dreams? What causes us to dream this particular type of dream, rather than a calming and enjoyable dream?

Some studies show that if we are under consistent stress in our daily life or have recently experienced some trauma we are more likely to have such dreams. If the stress is extreme, to the point of anxiety and panic in our waking hours, we may even have nightmares that really scare us. Some research shows that physical injury or surgery may have this effect. But so can seeing something traumatic or losing a close friend or family member. Unfortunately, the tension and stress of everyday life is sometimes enough to set bad dreams in motion. Some people have unusual or frightening dreams because their imagination is unusually active.

In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Ebenezer Scrooge tries to pass off the visit of spirits to a blot of mustard or a bit of beef. This may have some foundation in reality. Some scientific research shows that when healthy adults eat foods that are particularly spicy they tend to have more vivid dreams or experience less-satisfying sleep. This takes place quite often when the meals are eaten in the evening and just before bedtime. The basic reason for this might be the increased rate of metabolism that results from eating a meal. This increase is closely tied to additional brain activity.

Some individuals may be more likely to have bad dreams or nightmares if they drink alcohol or take certain drugs. Alcohol is a depressant for the human body but the general effect can result in unusual brain activity and disorienting dreams. Certain prescription drugs are known to have unusual dreams, bad dreams and even nightmares as side effects. This is a condition that should be discussed with your family doctor. Some people have reported bad dreams during the fitful sleep that comes with illness.

People seem to remember dreams differently, with a few people recalling almost every detail of a dream while others can’t remember anything at all. There is even a group of people who feel that dreams, both bad and good, can be very helpful in our understanding of life. While this is not widely accepted, there is some evidence that our dreams are the brain’s way of helping us sort and understand events in our waking hours. The jury is still out, to use a well-worn phrase. But at least we know something about why we have bad dreams.