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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What's the Problem I have nightmares every night and I fall out of bed at the end of them. What is the matter with me? Please help. James Wamathina, Ghana. Dear What's the Problem My problem is that I always have true dreams. I dream about what’s going to happen either that day or in the days ahead. I’m happy most of the time because I know in advance what’s likely to occur. But I would like to know why this happens? Mooze, Uganda. Advice: Dr Aki Oye Tade (Dream Specialist - African Culture) In African culture there is a tradition of seeking guidance from dreams. If you have dreams that come true it is usually considered to be a gift. Nightmares would be a sign of being oppressed by spiritual powers. If it continues, the traditional solution is to seek help from a diviner or spiritualist. Advice: Tricia Kreitman (Counsellor) Dreams are very often a way of dealing with something happening in your life. James seems to have some kind of worry that is manifesting itself in his dreams. The more you worry about something the more you are likely to dream about it. And if you go to sleep fearing you are going to have a nightmare, the chances are you will. James can help himself by setting aside an hour or so before he goes to sleep to relax and consciously tell himself that he will not think about his nightmares. He should also distract himself with other activities such as playing with his children or reading a book. This could help to alleviate the nightmares but if they keep coming back he needs to seek medical help. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   *Every dream has many layers of meaning. *Every object, person, and situation in a dream may have many meanings. *Take your time in trying to understand it. *You have to look at it from different angles and then its many meanings will begin to reveal themselves. *Try not to give into the pressure to "interpret" a dream. *There are no right or wrong answers.    INTERNET LINKS Nightmares   What is a dream?   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites