What Is a Nightmare?
A nightmare is a bad dream. Almost everyone gets them once in a while — adults and kids. It can may make you feel scared, anxious, or upset. But nightmares are not real and can't harm you.
What Causes Nightmares?
No one knows exactly what causes nightmares. Dreams — and nightmares — seem to be one way kids process thoughts and feelings, and work through worries and concerns. This usually means dealing with things most kids have to face at one time or another: problems at home, problems at school, and stress from sports or schoolwork. Sometimes major changes, such as moving or the illness or death of a loved one, can cause stress that leads to nightmares.
Another thing that may cause nightmares is watching scary movies or reading scary books, especially before you go to bed.
But sometimes you might have a nightmare for no reason at all.
How Can I Prevent Nightmares?
Here are some tips you can try to get nightmares under control.