Psychologists explained how to free oneself from nightmares after stress: two techniques.

According to ТСН: Prolonged stress and a traumatic past often manifest in the form of severe nightmares. During sleep, the brain attempts to process the experiences and places us back into a feeling of danger.

Technique 'Flashback'

One of the most effective methods in the fight against intrusive dreams is the creation of a positive resolution. Psychologists recommend: If you dream of a terrible event, you should invent a safe or even pleasant ending.

For better results, this ending should be stated aloud, recorded in the notes of a phone or on paper, and read at least twice before going to sleep.

For instance, if a soldier dreams of falling into a crater from an explosion, he should imagine landing in a warm pool. Such a change in the storyline helps the brain break the cycle of trauma repetition.

Technique 'Safety'

This technique extends the previous one. The main goal is to end the dream so that any threat disappears. If one is being chased by a pursuer in a dream, one can not only 'run away' but also change the essence of the threat.

An effective trick is converting the aggressor into a familiar person. Imagine that the person chasing you is an old friend who simply wanted to greet or hug you. This way, the brain perceives a safe end to the situation, and the level of fear when falling asleep decreases.

Why it is important to fight against nightmares

If a person is afraid to fall asleep because they anticipate horror, their body is in a state of chronic exhaustion. Using visualization techniques allows for 'reprogramming' the nighttime scenarios, which is an important step in dealing with the effects of stress and PTSD.

Professionals emphasize: If self-exercises do not help over a longer period, it is advisable to seek professional help from a psychotherapist.

By the way, scientists have proven that sleep deprivation destroys the body. Specialists explained how sleep deprivation affects a person's heart, skin, weight, and sexual health.

The fight against nightmares and their consequences is an important part of mental health, especially for people who have experienced trauma. The application of visualization techniques can be a reliable aid in coping with fears and tensions. However, if these methods do not work, it is important not to hesitate and seek support from professionals.