Vivid Dreams...Why Do We Have Them?
I have always dreamed a lot. I suppose many people do. But lately my dreams are more vivid, more frequent, and very memorable.
I am notoriously a terrible sleeper, so I usually take melatonin, which helps. But with a night full of dreams that run the gambit of happy, sad, scary, and just plan old weird, I am constantly waking up exhausted.
You may be asking, “what exactly is a vivid dream?” Well a vivid dream is a dream that feels almost life like. Vivid dreams feels so real they can be hard to distinguish from reality at times.
Some vivid dreams can seem so real that you wake and can still smell a scent or feel a touch.
So why all the dreaming lately? I think it’s a combination of a new supplement I am taking, and stress. The supplement affect my hormones, which affects sleep, because it affects serotonin.
Also I know taking melatonin could be the culprit, but I have been taking melatonin for a long time to help with my insomnia, so that is not a change.
I think perhaps stress is the biggest contributing factor to my vivid, and somewhat crazy dreams. I go through my days, and through life facing many stressors, like most adults.
We get through our days suppressing the urge not to freak out, or cry, or yell, or generally not overreact to tough or challenging situations. But those suppressed feelings stay there, under the surface.
Common Reasons For Vivid Dreams...
Taking Melatonin (Aha)
Eating Spicy Food Before Bed
Watching Weird TV Before Bed
Stopping or Starting New Medication
Stress and Anxiety
I actually find vivid dreams amazing, but unfortunately having them can leave your body not as rested as it should be after a full night’s sleep. Most vivid dreaming happen during rapid eye movement (REM), which occurs in 90 minute cycles while you sleep.
If I had the choice, I would take vivid dreams over dealing with my stress by road raging, or yelling at my kids, or stuffing my face and eating my feelings. But of course I am not getting enough sleep, so I need to find some balance.
What are your thought on dreaming and vivid dreams? How do you dream? Do you dream vivid? Do you remember your dreams? Please share your thoughts and experience!
