The term “nightmare” originates from the Old English word maere, which referred to an evil mythical creature or spirit believed to suffocate or sit on people’s chests while they slept, causing feelings of dread and terror. Over time, the term lost its association with the creature and became more broadly used to describe any bad or frightening dream.
Nightmare frequency varies significantly from person to person, but a recent study in Hong Kong found that 1% to 7% of adults experience bad dreams on a weekly basis, while an average of 30% to 55% experience them once a month. Many are the factors influencing nightmares and, according to the Sleep Foundation, they include stress, anxiety, mental health conditions and drug abuse.
While nightmares can be a distressing and daunting experience, recent research has found that faith could lessen this burden. The American Academic Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion has published a scientific article on sleep patterns and religion, concluding that religious beliefs may mitigate the association between stressful events and sleep.
The study highlights a perceived attachment to God and a certainty of personal salvation as crucial factors that could contribute to better nights of sleep, while private prayer is seen as important in helping individuals cope with major life events that could generate anxiety.
The scientists elaborate on the topic: “For many individuals, stressful events provoke a repetitive analysis of its causes and implications… resulting in high levels of cognitive arousal and rumination… Individuals may also anticipate difficulty falling or staying asleep, and may develop anxiety about sleep problems and their effects on daytime functioning.” Their conclusion is: “Taken together, our results demonstrate that religious cognitions may buffer against stress-related sleep disturbance by helping people avoid symptoms of depression.”
Have you been troubled by nightmares that are turning what was supposed to be a time to relax and rest into a moment of anguish and distress? Why not consider the findings of these studies and see if you too could benefit from faith? We invite you to join us for “The 7 Fridays of I Will Lie Down in Peace” purpose at your nearest Universal Church for strong prayers and spiritual guidance. Bring a pillowcase that will be blessed as we determine by faith that you will find the willpower to overcome any distress that may be preventing you from having peaceful nights.
Sources: https://www.etymonline.com/word/nightmare
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2880244/#:~:text=found%20
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nightmares
Event: The 7 Fridays of I Will Lie Down in Peace
Date and Time: Fridays at 7.30pm (also at 7am, 10am & 3pm)
Location: At your local Universal Church
