Nightmares can be caused by many reasons.

These include stress, anxiety, watching a scary movie or having a difficult conversation before bed.

People should be mindful of anything they might read or videos they might watch, according to Dr. Alaina Tiani, a sleep psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic. Anything stressful or overwhelming can heighten the risk for a nightmare, she said.

Alcohol, caffeine and side effects of certain medications can also play a role.

If nightmares are frequent and affect your quality of life, you should consult a mental health professional.