Do you ever wake up from a dream and wonder, "What was that all about?" If so, you're not alone. About two-thirds of us report having this experience at least once in our lives. But what if you had a dream that wasn't just strange or weird—what if it seemed like something more? What if your body's temperature was so high that it caused your brain to hallucinate? Well don't worry: You're not crazy! And no matter how scary or bizarre it may seem when you first wake up, I promise there's an explanation for why those fever dreams happened.
What is a fever dream?
Fever dreams are hallucinations that occur during a fever. They're not dreams in the normal sense of the word, but they're also not caused by mental illness. So, what exactly is going on when you have a fever dream?
A fever dream is any kind of hallucination that occurs while your body temperature rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). While some people experience these hallucinations only occasionally during an illness, others may have them frequently or even constantly throughout their lives--and they aren't necessarily signs of mental illness or other serious health problems.
When do they occur?
Fever dreams can occur any time you have a fever. If you're sick with the flu or a cold, this could be the cause of your nightmares. Fever dreams are also known to happen when there is no underlying illness causing them; they may just happen on their own.
What happens during a fever dream?
Fever dreams are a way for your body to cool down. This is why you may experience vivid dreams, nightmares or sleep paralysis during a fever.
When your body heats up during a fever dream, the brain sends signals that tell you it's hot as well. That's why you might feel like you're sweating even though it isn't hot outside--it's just all in your head!
If this happens to you and you find yourself dreaming about being stuck in traffic with no air conditioning on a hot day, know that it's normal for the human mind to exaggerate things under these conditions.
How to prevent fever dreams
You can prevent fever dreams by drinking plenty of water, taking a cool shower or bath, getting plenty of sleep and avoiding caffeine.
The best way to deal with a fever dream is to wake up as soon as you feel yourself drifting off into one. If you can't do this on your own (because it's hard!), try waking someone else up in the room with you who will help bring you back into reality.
Conclusion
Fever dreams are a strange phenomenon that can occur when your body's temperature rises too high. They can be frightening, but they don't usually mean anything bad is happening. If you have one, try to relax and remember that it will pass soon enough!