Diseases marked by nightmares: What health problems our dreams signalize
Dreams are a mysterious space in which our subconscious communicates with us through symbols and images. Nightmares often cause anxiety, but they can also be a signal of health issues.
Dreams of falling: a sign of heart problems
If you often dream that you are falling into the abyss, this may indicate cardiovascular disease. Such dreams often occur due to a sharp drop in blood pressure or heart rate, which the body perceives as a threat.
Falling symbolizes a loss of control, which is associated with interruptions in the heart. People with hypertension or arrhythmia may have such dreams more often. In case of persistent dreams, you should consult a cardiologist.
Chasing: stress and anxiety disorders
When someone is chasing you in your dreams, it can signal excessive stress or an anxiety disorder. The body in this state is in "flight mode," which is reflected in dreams.
Constant anxiety affects the nervous system, causing the brain to create threatening scenarios. Such nightmares can accompany panic attacks or depression. It is important to find ways to relax and reduce stress, such as meditation or therapy.
Fire or heat: breathing problems or fever
Nightmares in which you find yourself on fire or suffocating can be associated with respiratory illnesses or high body temperature. For example, asthmatics often have such dreams during attacks, and people with SARS often have them because of fever.
Heat or flames can also be a sign of poor ventilation in the bedroom or a reaction to an overly warm microclimate. If these dreams recur, you should have your lungs checked or allergic reactions ruled out.
Dreams of tooth loss: hormonal imbalance or calcium deficiency
Losing teeth in dreams is a common nightmare that can indicate a lack of important minerals or hormonal changes. Women often have such dreams during pregnancy or menopause, when the body undergoes changes.
It can also indicate insufficient calcium intake or thyroid problems. If such dreams bother you, you should consult an endocrinologist and check your vitamin balance.
Nightmares can be an important warning of health problems (photo: Freepik)
Drowning in water: lung or nervous system problems
Dreams in which you are drowning in water can indicate asthma, bronchitis, or other lung diseases. It can also be the result of an emotional overload, when you "drown" in your own experiences.
Water symbolizes emotions, and the feeling of drowning is often associated with psychological fatigue. Such nightmares can also be the result of sleep apnea. A consultation with a pulmonologist or psychotherapist is recommended.
Fights or violence: magnesium deficiency or psychological stress
Dreams in which you become a victim of violence or are involved in fights can signal a magnesium deficiency. This element is responsible for relaxing muscles and the nervous system, and its lack provokes anxiety and aggression in dreams.
Such dreams are also common in people who have had traumatic experiences. It is important to check your blood magnesium levels and find ways to cope with stress.
Getting lost: memory problems or overwork
If you often dream that you are lost in a city or forest, it may be a sign of cognitive impairment or excessive fatigue. Such dreams often accompany the initial stages of memory-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's.
It can also indicate an overload at work, when the brain does not have time to process information. It is recommended to follow a healthy daily routine, reduce the amount of work, and consult a doctor.
Sources: Universum.clinic, Sleeplab.com.ua, WebMD.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.