Saudi Gazette

Imagine that one night you went to bed happy, all ready for the next day. However, you find yourself awake in the middle of the night on a strange road with a car approaching. You can’t move as your body is shaking and unhinged, all you can do is scream.

You scream your lungs out, and then you find yourself on your bed in your room. You are shivering and all sweaty. What do you think just happened?

It’s a nightmare! You must have heard your parents telling you that.

What is a nightmare?

They are bad dreams which can upset and frighten the person who has the dream. It mostly plays with your fear and happens during the R.E.M (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of the sleep cycle; towards the end of the night.

Bad dreams could be about a monster you saw in a movie or any other scary creature, or about bad things happening to yourself or someone you care about.

When you wake up, you may be hot, shivering and sweating. However, just think and make sure it was a nightmare which will help you to feel better.

Why Nightmares?

There are many reasons for having a nightmare, but no one can say for sure why people have them.

It might be because something bad has already happened to someone you love and care about.

Maybe you had a bad day or you did something really crazy that you can’t stop thinking about it.

Nightmares also occur when you are worried about something, or maybe someone is bullying you.

What can be done about nightmares?

If it is the homework which is worrying you, finish it up and then go to bed. Talk to your parents about the things which are worrying you.

If you are being bullied at school talk to the student counsellor or to an elder at home. If you are afraid of sleeping in the dark room, turn on the light bulb.

Recite Ayat-al Kursi and other verses from Qur’an before sleeping. Make dua before sleeping and think about good things in your life.

Do not take your mobile phone to bed with you, and don’t use any technology at least half an hour before you go to bed.

Keep your room tidy. If you wake up scared, call your parents and let them know.

Nightmares are not real events, they are just bad dreams. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!