why do i keep having nightmares

The main reasons why nightmares keep happening include stress and anxiety, trauma or past traumatic events, mental health conditions like PTSD, sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedules, certain medications, substance use or withdrawal, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Nightmares commonly occur during REM sleep, and are thought to be the brain’s way of processing strong emotions, memories, and fears. External factors like watching scary movies, eating late, or hot room temperatures can also provoke nightmares. Recurring nightmares may indicate that unresolved daytime stresses or emotional issues are being processed during sleep. If nightmares are frequent and disruptive, consulting a healthcare professional may help identify underlying causes and provide treatment options.