[googley]

I had one of the worst nightmares I've ever had. It was awful. Too awful to describe here. I was surprised when I woke up. I was so scared. I hate nightmares.

[Perna]

Nightmares are really uncomfortable; I start tearing them apart right away when I wake up to make them less uncomfortable. The first thing I do is realize that to be such a "strong" dream, I must be trying really hard to tell myself something, that's why it's so extreme. I comfort myself that it's just my body trying to balance me better; if I am "trying" not be be afraid in day-to-day life, the dream will make sure I'm afraid, get all that actual fear out and balance the energy better so I can continue to function when I'm awake.

Whatever extremes we have when walking, will "push back" when we're unconscious.

[Gojamadar]

Originally Posted by googley

I had one of the worst nightmares I've ever had. It was awful. Too awful to describe here. I was surprised when I woke up. I was so scared. I hate nightmares.

Hi,
No matter how bad a nightmare is, it is doing an important job in your sleep. Your subconscious creates a nightmare when you need to be woken up very quickly for some reson.
Many times the text of the nightmare indicates the cause. Many nightmares are caused by digestion problems; acid reflux, burping food up, wanting to womit, or a very bad stomach ache, however many bad sleeping positions - especially those that restrick breathing - also cause nightmares. So do cramps, onset of migraine or a sharp shooting pain.
There is always a reason for a nightmare. Nightmares are life savers!

[mybestlife]

Sometimes I think (if it's a recurring nightmare) that it is a way for your subconscious to try and boot you down the path toward a change, or accepting something, or confronting something. I agree with Gojamadar, if it's a one time thing - you might be sick, cold, over-stressed, hungry, too full, in a very uncomfortable position, the phone might be ringing or some sort of siren, etc etc.