Sweet Dreams

Outwit Nightmares with these Tricks
Many kids can have fewer nightmares. Dr. Ron Dahl from the University of Pittsburg Medical Research Center teaches kids these steps for having sweeter dreams:

1. Think about happy, relaxing things as you go to sleep. "At bedtime, many kids think about bad things that did happen or might happen," says Dr Dahl. Instead, remember the good side of things. Review your favorite part of the day, the things that make you feel happy and safe." Parents might be able to help with a story or prayer.

2. Avoid scarry things, such as movies or amusement park rides that frighten you.

3. Get more sleep and try to go to bed at about the same time every night. People dream only a few times each night during periods called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. If you sleep less, you get less REM sleep, and your brain makes up for it over the next few nights. Then you have more dreams- and sometimes nightmares.

4. Eat and drink with care. In the evening, stay away from drinks with caffeine in them, such as iced tea and some soft drinks. And try not to go to bed hungry or with full stomach.

5. Get plenty of sleep when you take medicines for a cold or allergy. Some of these drugs can interfere with REM sleep. Get as much sleep as possible. Then, when you stop taking the medicine, your brain will not have as much "make-up" work to do.

If you have a bad dream anyway, go back to step 1. If a parent, brother, or sister tries to help you, tell them what you need from them. It's OK if you just want to forget about the dream.

These tips can help you bring nightmares down to a size you can handle. Sleep Tight.

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