Do you dread taking a trip to dreamland because it’s just like stepping foot inside the theater where a heart attack-inducing horror movie is being shown? Then you are in the right place. This article will let you run into some tips on how to considerably lower your risk of having nightmares.

What makes nightmares different from bad dreams is that they can actually wake you up, keeping you from proceeding with having a good night’s sleep.

Because they are very stressful and terrifying types of dreams, nightmares oftentimes lead to sleep deprivation. We all know the importance of having 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep each night. Needless to say, having nightmares all the time can make your life a horrible one.

Worry not because it’s possible for you to keep those nightmares from striking. Below are some of the things that you should keep in mind if you want a nightmare-free sleep.

Reduce Your Stress

Experts say that nightmares are actually tensions that your unconscious mind is releasing while you’re having some Z’s. And nothing can leave your mind more tensed that having high levels of stress. It’s because of this why it is a good idea for you to de-stress before you hop into bed.

The good news is there’s never a shortage of stress-relieving activities. From doing yoga to writing in your journal, lowering your stress levels before going to sleep can help drive nightmares away.

Make Everything Comfy

It can help a lot if you love your bed and your pillow. Feeling super comfortable the moment you hop into bed can help in lowering your risk of encountering a terrifying dream in your sleep. It’s a good idea to invest in pillows, mattress and bed that provide utmost comfort.

Also, make sure that your bedroom promotes sheer comfort by removing clutter, making its temperature conducive to sleep and playing white noise or nature sounds in the background if you live in the heart of the city.

Sleep on Your Side

Do you love sleeping on your back? If you often have nightmares, then your choice of sleeping position may be the one to blame. According to scientists, numerous studies have shown that sleeping on one’s back can encourage nightmares to strike more often.

You can train yourself to sleep on your side by placing a massive pillow on your back or inserting some tennis balls into the backside of your nighttime attire.

Avoid a Heavy Meal

It’s not just a nasty case of heartburn that you may encounter if you enjoy a large meal and then go straight to bed, but also bloodcurdling nightmares. It’s for this reason why it is a good idea for you to have your supper at least a couple of hours before bedtime to lower your risk of having nightmares.

When it comes to midnight snacking, make sure that you opt for a light and healthy treat. Refrain from having something that is greasy, fatty or sugary.

Try Using Essential Oils

Definitely, it’s less likely for your dreams to be on the terrifying side if your bedroom is filled with the pleasing fragrance of the calming essential oil of your choice. You can add a few drops of it on your pillow. Investing in a diffuser is also a great idea if you are prone to having nightmares.

Some essential oils that are known to help fend off nightmares include chamomile, jasmine, lavender, rose, orange, mandarin, sandalwood, vetiver and bergamot.

Can you think of other nifty tips on keeping nightmares at bay? Feel free to share them in the comments section below so that those who are prone to nightmares may give them a try, too!