Foods that trigger nightmares

By Halima Gladys

Unhealthy eating habits can cause one to have nightmares —yes! Some people have nightmares after having a late-night snack, which can increase metabolism and signal the brain to be more active.

Medications known to contribute to nightmare frequency include; anti-depressants, blood pressure medications, appetite suppressers, alcohol and drugs, which may also cause withdrawal symptoms and emotional turmoil.

As much as our bodies need red meat occasionally, do not eat it right before bedtime. This is because the protein and fat in it takes longer to digest, especially when you need peace as you put your head down to sleep.

Foods with high sugar content, such as dark chocolate, is loaded with stimulants like theobromine, which is known to make the heart race faster. The same applies for ice cream and some sugary cereals. Instead of sugary cereals go for healthier cereals, that are whole- grain to quench the craving, but will not keep you up.

Vegetables like celery are a natural diuretic. This means that taking it just before bedtime, will force you to wake up countless times to pee, thus disturbing your sleep. Pasta is high in carbohydrate, and going to bed right after it, with the added tomatoes oils, is a bad idea.

Remember to practice good sleep hygiene to help prevent the sleep deprivation, which brings nightmares in adults. Make your bedroom a relaxing, tranquil place that is reserved for sleep and sex, so that you don’t associate it with stressful activities.

Also, be cautious about the use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which can remain in your system for more than 12 hours, and often disrupt sleep patterns, to avoid nightmares.