According to studies, having nightmares can be beneficial to a person since it can serve as an emotional release for anxiety and helps the brain show signs of physical and mental health problems.
Huffington Post reports that a study released by New York Magazine in a video entitled, "The Good Side of Bad Dreams," explains that nightmares can be the brain's way to cope with anxiety and stress. It turns a person's anxious thoughts during his or her waking life into a memory, which occurs in a form of a bad dream.
"The things that concern us most when we're awake continue to mess with us when we're asleep," as explained in the video. "Your unconscious brain takes your abstract fears and turns them into stories in the form of nightmares."
These dreams may also be among the symptoms of having mental health problems such as Bipolar and Post Traumatic Stress disorders. In a study published in WebMD, Bipolar disorder triggers bizarre and vivid dreams.
The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs reported that 52% of combat veterans who undergo PSTD often experience nightmares as compared to just 3% of civilians.
Having a bad dream can also be a sign of the body not feeling well. Mayo clinic stated that it is common for people to experience nightmares before they wake up and find out they have fever.
According to international studies, having a series of bad dreams, however, can be a good sign to pregnant women. Women are less likely to suffer post partum depression and longer labor when they get more nightmares during pregnancy.
Nightmares should also prompt people to check their blood sugar levels, or even better, consult their doctors, since diabetic people are more prone to having weird dreams. WebMD added that having too much insulin causes nightmares and hypoglycemia can occur during their sleep.
Experts advise people who experience having too many nightmares to seek medical attention to improve sleep.
