Halloween is right around the corner, and that means that lots of people will be getting in the spirit for the spooky season.
It's one of the most popular times to watch some scary shows and films, and this year there's plenty to choose from, including the newly released horror Smile and Netflix's chilling Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
But while they can be thrilling to watch, these types of films and shows don't come without their downfalls, with many of us struggling to get a good night's sleep after watching them.
Here's why it's common to get nightmares after watching a scary film, as well as some simple tips to prevent them.
Why do I get nightmares after watching a horror movie?
Dr Katherine Hall, sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy, explains that the intense emotions that horror films cause us to feel can lead to having nightmares in bed.
She said: “Nightmares are predominantly caused by stress and horror films are designed specifically to heighten emotions.
"They use psychological tricks to create illusions of suspense and danger which cause stress and anxiety. We then bring this stress to bed with us, making our brains unable to relax and switch off."
However, Dr Hall went on to explain that horror films can also help to boost our mood, if you can handle the initial feelings of stress.
She added: “Those dealing with anxiety and trauma may feel that these fears are intensified, but that is just the body’s flight or fight response being triggered.
"Try leaning into those feelings, as feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin are also released as a response which can boost your mood after the nerves have settled."
How do you stop nightmares after watching something scary?
Nightmares can be horrible to experience, but there are some simple ways that you can help to prevent them while still being able to watch scary films.
Dr Hall and sleep experts from Happy Beds shared the following tips:
- Watch something light-hearted afterwards
- Discuss the film with friends
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine, sugar and alcohol
- Create a bedtime routine to unwind.
According to Dr Hall, focusing on something else such as a comedy or a book after watching a scary film can help the brain to process what you've just watched and decipher how real the threat was.
Watching scary films earlier in the day instead of in the evening can also help by giving your brain a longer time to process the film, and your body a longer time to break down the released adrenaline before going to bed.
Like giving your brain a longer time to process the film, talking about it with friends can also help to put things into perspective and convince the mind that what you have just viewed is not real.
When it comes to why you should avoid stimulants, Dr Hall explains: “Stimulants such as caffeine, sugar and alcohol can increase heart rate and intensify feelings of fear or danger.
"By avoiding consuming these at night, your chances of horror-induced anxiety are significantly reduced.”
To settle down for the evening, Dr Hall also suggests pouring a mug of your favourite soothing hot drink, listening to calming music, or meditating to soothe the soul and prepare the mind for a night of peaceful sleep.
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