What Causes Nightmares?

Nightmares can cause poor sleep and anxiety, triggering health problems.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following factors can contribute to nightmares:

*Eating just before bed, which can increase brain activity.
*Any anxiety or stress.
*Any major life event, including the death of a loved one.
*Illness, including fever.
*An adverse reaction, side effect or withdrawal from a drug.
*Alcohol withdrawal, or excessive alcohol consumption.
*Breathing disorders, including sleep apnea.
*Sleep disorders, including narcolepsy.