Why do you have many dreams when you sleep?

Sleep is a process of recovery and adjustment for the human body, and dreams are an activity of the nervous system during sleep. According to research, the phenomenon of dreaming is related to different stages of sleep. People usually experience the most dreams during the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. In the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stage, dreams are relatively rare.

With the accelerated pace of life and the increase in stress, insomnia has become more and more common in modern society. And there are also many people who often have many dreams during sleep. So, what is the reason for having many dreams during sleep?

01The reason why you have many dreams when you sleep

1. A lot of mental work

Intensive mental labor

When our brain performs a lot of mental work during the day, it remains highly active after we fall asleep at night. This may lead to chaotic thoughts and easy dreaming during sleep. Studies have shown that the sleep stage closely related to intellectual activities is called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and REM sleep is closely related to the generation of dreams (Rasch & Born, 2013).

2. Incorrect sleeping posture

Incorrect sleeping posture

Maintaining the correct sleeping posture when sleeping is very important for getting a good sleep quality. If the sleeping posture is incorrect, such as too much tension in the body or an inappropriate head position when sleeping, it may cause discomfort, which in turn increases the probability of dreaming. Studies have found that maintaining a comfortable sleeping posture can improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency of dreams (Shapiro et al., 1990).

3. Psychological factors

Psychological factors

Psychological factors can also affect dreaming during sleep. Psychological states such as anxiety, stress, and mood swings may persist during sleep, causing dreams to occur more frequently. One study found that people with higher levels of anxiety were more likely to have nightmares (Schredl, 2001). Therefore, emotion management and psychological relaxation techniques can help reduce dreams during sleep.

4. Physical factors

Physical factors

Certain physical and mental health problems may also be associated with excessive dreaming during sleep. For example, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are closely related to sleep quality and dreams. Studies have found that patients with these mental illnesses are more likely to have excessive dreaming during sleep (Nadorff et al., 2011). In addition, certain medications and drug abuse may also have an impact on sleep quality and dreams. For example, certain antidepressants and sedatives may increase the frequency and intensity of dreams (Wamsley et al., 2007).

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02How to deal with excessive dreaming when sleeping

1. Relaxation techniques: Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress, thereby reducing dreams during sleep.

2. Preparation before bed: Create a good sleeping environment and maintain a comfortable temperature and light. Avoid overstimulating the brain before bed, such as using electronic devices or watching stimulating TV programs. Establishing a regular sleep schedule will help develop good sleeping habits.

3. Psychological counseling: Seek psychological help, explore possible psychological problems and emotional distress, and learn coping and processing skills. By solving potential psychological problems, you can reduce dreams during sleep.

4. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a good diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine intake. These healthy habits can help improve sleep quality and reduce dreams while sleeping.

If dreaming too much when sleeping causes serious distress and affects your daily life, it is recommended to consult a professional sleep physician or psychologist for personalized help and guidance.