Do You Have Nightmares?

The other night Little G woke up in a real state, she had been having a nightmare. She wasn’t able to tell me what it was but you could see the panic in her face. I am quite lucky, I haven’t had many nightmares in my life- most of them happened when I was pregnant actually.

There is one bad dream that really sticks out in my memory, hard to describe but it was very gruesome! I was 5 years old and had been watching a movie late at night with family friends. The movie was graphic and obviously left a lasting impression- I had recurring nightmares about it for years and years!

Most nightmares happen after watching something on tv just before bed, unless you have worries playing on your mind. So what is most likely to give you nightmares? Slumberdown have actually researched this and the results are really interesting!

1. Crimewatch

At first I was a little surprised by this but actually it makes total sense. Knowing that something real might happen is more frightening than wondering if zombies might attack!

2. Most Haunted

Again, the fact that this is ‘real life’ makes you feel that it could happen to you. I hate creaks and weird lights at night, I always feel like something is there.

3. The Walking Dead

I have never watched this! So many people I know watch it though and from the sound of it I can see why it would trigger nightmares.

4. American Horror Story

I have never heard of it but certainly won’t be adding it to my ‘to watch’ list!

61% struggle to sleep after watching something scary.

5. Ghost Hunters

Same as Most Haunted isn’t it? Leave the poor ghosts alone I say!

6. Autopsy The Last Hours Of…..

Sounds gruesome!

50% change the channel as they worry how programs may affect their sleep

7. The X- Files

I sneaked into the X – Files movie when I was 15. I love alien movies!

8. The news

I don’t often watch the news as I really do find it upsetting. The thought of some of the horrors you see being something that is 100% real is just too awful and definitely leaves me having sleepless nights.

9. Silent Witness

This is one of my favourite programs ever! I do have to make sure I watch something else straight after to clear my mind!

38% of people have to watch something light-hearted after watching something scary.

10. The Fall

Again, not something I have watched but I won’t be watching it if it is scary!

So there we have it, the top 10 tv programs that cause nightmares- all for different reasons. Some I agree with and some I am perfectly fine with. Silent Witness doesn’t bother me at all, probably because I look at it from a forensic point of view!

Sleep Tips

If you struggle to get to sleep after watching a scary program or your children are suffering from nightmares, here are a few tips to help get a good night’s sleep.

• Read a book before bedtime, something that will promote happy dreams.

• Distract yourself with another activity- listen to music or do some exercise.

• Leave a night light on or leave the door open slightly so you can be sure nothing is in the room!

What is the worst nightmare you have ever had?