

You can think clearly upon awakening and can recall details of your dream.You feel sweaty or have a pounding heartbeat while in bed.You feel scared, anxious, angry, sad or disgusted as a result of your dream.Your dream storyline is usually related to threats to safety or survival, but it can have other disturbing themes.Your dream seems vivid and real and is very upsetting, often becoming more disturbing as the dream unfolds.Episodes are generally brief, but they cause you to awaken, and returning to sleep can be difficult. Nightmares may occur rarely or more frequently, even several times a night. Finally, he or she can refer you to a psychologist or counselor for behavioral or cognitive therapy to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.You're more likely to have a nightmare in the second half of your night. Your primary care provider can also determine whether over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids might help. A specialist can conduct a sleep study to determine the cause of your insomnia. If lifestyle changes don't improve your sleep, speak with your primary care provider about a referral to a sleep specialist. Use blackout curtains to block light from your bedroom.Blue light can interfere with your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed to limit blue light exposure.Try relaxation training, such as breathing exercises or guided meditation, to help with anxiety.Refrain from eating heavy meals before bed.Avoid caffeine and alcohol, particularly late in the day.

Always adjust your sleep schedule in advance before traveling to a different time zone.

Below are some ways you can manage or treat the disorder. If you struggle with insomnia, it's important to seek treatment. Chronic lack of sleep can affect your judgment, concentration and energy levels. The effects of insomnia can be dangerous for your health. Travel - Crossing time zones can interfere with the body's circadian rhythm and negatively affect the sleep cycle. Medical conditions - Asthma, arthritis, chronic back pain, Parkinson's disease and sinus infections are among the conditions that can directly cause insomnia or create discomfort that keeps you awake.If you work irregular hours or late in the evening, your body could have a difficult time winding down at bedtime.

