
Anxiety, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of disturbing and intense nightmares. Stressed caused by traumatic events, such as a death of a loved one, sexual abuse, or a car accident can also cause vivid dreams. Problems with friends, family, school, or work can trigger intense dreams as can big events like getting married or buying a house. Stress or anxietyĭifficulties real and imagined can cause a person to experience stress and anxiety in their daily life. But they think the following factors may play a part. So, what causes vivid dreams? Scientists aren’t completely sure. The average adult should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health.

REM sleep normally cycles every 90 minutes during a night of sleep and may last 20 to 25 minutes.Ībout 25 percent of an adult’s night of sleep is spent in REM cycles. Scientists know that most heavy dreaming occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Vivid dreams can be positive or negative, realistic or fantasy. But it’s possible to remember a vivid dream long after it’s occurred if it seemed very intense. People are most likely to remember the last dream they’ve had in their sleep cycle. Some people feel more refreshed after having had slept and dreamed, even if they do not remember dreaming.


Brain scientists aren’t sure why humans dream in the first place, but they think it has something to do with memory.ĭreaming might help the brain eliminate any unnecessary information or memories while processing and storing what’s important.
