To make them so, the negative feelings that are experienced during the day, such as anxiety, sadness and fear that, if before they were linked to the individual events of each, are now a constant in everyone's daily life.
published on the American Psychological Association website found that, due to the strong negative emotions experienced in this period, nightmares are more recurrent in everyone, and especially in those who are personally involved in particularly dangerous, violent situations and frustrating and is directly affected by traumatic events.
In this case, we are talking above all about those who live in the so-called epicenter of the pandemic, i.e. doctors, health workers and rescuers, sick people or people close to someone who is. Without forgetting those who have suffered a layoff or are facing a severe economic crisis.
More restless sleep for everyone
We are living in frightening and unprecedented times, with a deeply uncertain future prospect, so it is very likely that even those who are not so directly affected by the Covid emergency have experienced insomnia, anxiety and nightmares more often than usual.
However, even though these are unpleasant events, they hide a precious function: that of helping to process all the negative information and difficult emotions that are stored while awake, thus relieving the intensity and emotional charge, which are responsible for daily stress. Sleep disturbance is one of the symptoms, together with the so-called post Coronavirus cognitive fog, that characterize the post Covid syndrome.
taking life in the dream dimension.
Also, since much of social life is shortened and the actions are repetitive, it more often draws on old memories. This explains why it can happen, for example, to dream of an old schoolmate.
They remember each other more often
Under normal circumstances, when you wake up, everything you dream about seems confused and is rarely remembered. But this too is changing during the pandemic.
In fact, it seems that people remember dreams more, probably also because of their emotionally charged quality. Being frightening and upsetting, they often wake up suddenly and this increases the chance that they will remain etched in the mind. This probability increases even more if you are awake at least five minutes before falling asleep, enough time for the memory to start encoding them.
with a positive mood. To do this, you can watch a fun or inspiring TV show, talk to a friend or loved one who can lift the mood, read, watch a movie, or practice yoga or meditation.Rewrite your own nightmares
A technique that asks people to rewrite the plots of their nightmares, turning them from scary to happy and more peaceful, has been shown to help reduce them, especially recurring ones.
After rewriting the dream it is necessary to visualize it, reproducing it in the mind before going to bed. After five or six days the content may start to change.
Restrict the use of devices
Reading the news by scrolling the home page of websites and social networks can increase anxiety and stress, leading to more negative dreams. It is therefore better to limit the use of smartphones, PCs and tablets before going to sleep.
Don't sleep too long
If you stay in bed late, REM sleep is prolonged and this leads to a greater volume of dreams and nightmares.
Make less use of alcohol
Drinking alcohol affects the quality of sleep and can increase the likelihood of dreaming of disturbing events, as any emotion you experience while sleeping is often increased by the presence of alcohol.
Reduce your caffeine intake
Caffeine is a stimulant, which can increase anxiety in some people, so it would be best not to abuse it and stop taking it at least four hours before bedtime.
Get some physical exercise
Due to the restrictions and with the gyms closed, physical activity levels have dropped dramatically and this is affecting the quality of sleep.
The more you move, the better you sleep, which is why it's important to create a daily exercise routine and find small ways to do it like taking out the trash or walking the dog.
Further information and updates on 2019-nCov
For more detailed information on the new Coronavirus, on correct prevention, on infections in Italy, on the rules to be respected and on the quarantine procedures, we recommend reading the dedicated articles:
- Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: How to Recognize the First Symptoms and What to Do
- New Coronavirus: Rules to Follow
- Coronavirus: how to prevent the risk of contagion from 2019 nCoV
- New Coronavirus vaccine: updates
- Coronavirus: prevention and updates on the 2019 nCoV infection in Italy
- Coronavirus and SARS: similarities and differences on infection and transmission of the virus
- Maskne or Acne da Mask: What is it? Why does it manifest itself?
- Templates: Comparative Types, Functions and Methods of Use
- Physical Activity and Masks
