Nightmares develop into much less frequent as we develop up however some individuals might expertise extra unhealthy desires than others. Dreams of being chased by demons, falling from a constructing, getting trapped someplace or a dying of cherished one might be distressing for individuals. They not solely interrupt sleep but in addition enhance stress ranges, making one really feel depressing. One might additionally expertise frequent nightmares on a specific day. The causes might vary from stress to spicy or high-fat meals at supper time. Many a time having a glass of water might carry individuals some aid from distressing dreams. Health specialists, nonetheless, counsel consuming sure meals and avoiding others at evening to scale back probabilities of nightmares. (Also learn: Experts on surprising causes of frequent nightmares)

"Nightmares can be distressing and disruptive to our sleep patterns, causing us to wake up feeling anxious and uneasy. While there are many factors that can contribute to nightmares, including stress, anxiety, medication, and sleep disorders, our diet can also play a role in influencing our dream content," says Dt. Ankita Ghoshal Bisht, Dietician in-charge, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. (Also learn: What is lucid dreaming; 5 amazing benefits and facts that will blow your mind)

“While there is no such thing as a clear proof linking particular meals to nightmares, there are specific meals and drinks that may disrupt your sleep and enhance the probability of experiencing nightmares," says Sameena Ansari - Senior Dietitian & Nutritionist, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad.

Ankita Ghoshal Bisht and Sameena Ansari share meals to eat and keep away from to forestall nightmares with HT Digital.

Foods to eat to forestall nightmares

1. Complex carbohydrates: Eating advanced carbohydrates earlier than mattress will help to stabilise blood sugar ranges, which may cut back the probability of nightmares. Good sources of advanced carbs embody whole-grain bread, brown rice, and candy potatoes.

2. Calcium-rich meals: Calcium has been discovered to have a relaxing impact on the physique, so consuming meals which are wealthy in calcium earlier than mattress will help to scale back the danger of nightmares. Good sources of calcium embody milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens like spinach and kale.

3. Tryptophan-rich meals: Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps to advertise sleep and rest. Foods which are excessive in tryptophan embody turkey, hen, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds.

4. Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps the physique to supply serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that's concerned in regulating sleep. Foods which are excessive in vitamin B6 embody bananas, nuts, poultry, fish, and complete grains.

5. Herbal teas: Drinking a cup of chamomile, valerian root, or lavender tea earlier than bedtime can promote rest and enhance sleep high quality.

Foods to keep away from to forestall nightmares

1. Alcohol: Consuming alcohol earlier than mattress can disrupt sleep patterns and result in nightmares. Alcohol has been discovered to extend the period of time spent in fast eye motion (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep related to dreaming.

2. Spicy meals: Eating spicy meals earlier than mattress can enhance physique temperature and coronary heart price, which may result in disrupted sleep and nightmares.

3. Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that may disrupt sleep patterns and result in nightmares. It's finest to keep away from caffeine-containing meals and drinks like espresso, tea, and chocolate within the hours main as much as bedtime.

4. High-fat meals: Eating high-fat meals earlier than mattress can result in indigestion and discomfort, which may disrupt sleep and result in nightmares. It's finest to keep away from heavy, greasy meals within the night and go for lighter, more healthy choices as a substitute.

5. Sugary meals: Consuming high-sugar meals earlier than bedtime may cause a fast rise in blood sugar ranges, resulting in disrupted sleep and nightmares.