Side Effects Of Sleeping Pills

Unusual Dreams

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Unusual dreams are a common side effect of sleeping pills. Everyone dreams when they enter REM sleep, but everyone who wakes up from 'dreamless' sleep typically just does not remember the dreams. Sleeping pills can affect dreams in a few different ways. First, dreams might become more vivid, and individuals may remember significantly more details upon waking. Second, dreams might become unusual, unnerving, or potentially even frightening. In most cases, unusual dreams are not cause for concern. However, if they develop into nightmares that cause significant distress, patients may need to stop using their sleeping pill or switch to a different medication.

Many individuals believe REM sleep is the only point at which they dream, but this isn't true. While REM sleep produces the most vivid dreams, individuals can have dreams during any sleep stage. According to researchers, the average person has four to six dreams during an eight-hour session of sleep. Research also shows dreaming and REM sleep are vital to physical and mental health.

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