Nightmares reveal HEALTH warning signs
By: Team Ifairer | Posted: 01-04-2014
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Any kind of infection, from severe flu to a kidney infection, can make nightmares more likely, explains Professor McNamara.
There are two stages of sleep - REM and non-REM sleep. During the latter, we experience slow wave sleep, when our immune system is repaired and strengthened. 'When we get an infection, with or without a fever, the body needs more slow wave sleep,' says Professor McNamara. This is so the immune system can fight the bug.
However, it has a knock-on effect on REM sleep, he says, 'delaying the point at which we enter dreaming sleep, which can lead to nightmares or bizarre, vivid dreams'. As REM sleep is when we process emotions, this can cause a build-up of unpleasant emotions which may manifest as nightmares.