Why do we have nightmares?

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Dreams are still a huge mystery to us - there are many theories about why we have them, and why we have scary ones.

According to Best Health magazine in the US, 70% of Americans report having nightmares, and 30 % percent of us have them while they sleep at least once a month.

Causes can include stressful goings ons in your life, certain medications you may be taking, genetics, neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and even what you've been eating can cause them.

See also: Top tips for a good night's sleep

See also: Why sleeping on your front is bad for you

One of the main causes according to one expert is that your mind is overloaded with emotion, and it's a way to process those stressful events as your brain begins to integrate your feelings.

Nightmares can just be dreams with scary plots - but sometimes they can become an issue.

There are certain disorders where nightmares will disrupt a person's ability to sleep as well as some people who begin to act out violent actions while sleepwalking.

In those cases it's recommended to see a health professional for help.

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