Have you been having weird dreams?... It may be due to the heat
The
warm spell we've been experiencing in Ireland
this week may have led you to experience unusually vivid dreams which you remember more clearly than usual, according to sleep expert and health scientist Tom Coleman.
Speaking to
The Journal
, he explained that heat can have a significant impact on sleeping patterns as the human body's brain and core temperature are 'key for quality sleep'.
Dreaming occurs during the body's REM sleep cycle, which is a phase of 'light' sleep during which brain activity is high and body temperature is elevated.
Coleman said that the warm weather spell could be causing people to wake up more during this light cycle, and then remember dreams more vividly.
Your dreams may also be more intense than usual because the body has interpreted the heat as a threat, triggering the subconscious to attempt to figure out what's going on.
Coleman said something similar happened during the Covid-19 pandemic, in a phenomenon known as 'pandemic dreaming'.
Although dreams are not fully understood, he said the current best theory is that they are a 'virtual reality simulator where your brain practices solving problems without consequences'.
Some patches of mist early this morning😶🌫️.
These will clear and today will be largely dry and warm with good spells of sunshine☀️.
Highest temperatures🌡️ of 20 to 26 degrees with light northeast breezes, warmest in the midlands and south.
pic.twitter.com/F3QnezXT6Q
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann)
August 15, 2025
The REM sleep cycle is when your subconscious engages in emotional regulation and problem solving, so vivid dreams may be your body's attempt at solving the threat and 'making sense of the world'.
Advertisement
During the pandemic, people's subconscious minds were aware of the 'unseen threat' of the pandemic, and while sleeping, their dreams attempted to make sense of this threat which caused them to become more intense or vivid.
Coleman said that anxieties about global warming, or simply an unusually hot night, may be interpreted as another 'unseen threat' by the body.
'We don't like change. We always want to return to what is comfortable,' he said.
So, although the dreams may be uncomfortable, they could actually be caused by your body trying to help you adapt to a change in environment and any dangers it may bring.
The bad news is that this can cause more tiredness the next day.
Coleman said: 'People will be tired, light sleep is very important. If you're waking up and you're getting fragmented sleep, you will be more fatigued. There might be grogginess and brain fog.'
The sleep expert warned that if you've had a bad sleep, you should not drastically change your routine. In particular, if you don't tend to take naps, you shouldn't try to take one.
'Do the exact same thing you always do to get to sleep,' he said.
Coleman explained that staying awake, and getting exercise and fresh air builds up 'sleep pressure', which helps you fall asleep more easily.
If crazy dreams have disrupted your sleep, he advises sticking to a normal routine and going to bed the following night when your body feels tired.
To reduce weird dreams, try to keep your room as cool as possible at night.
Here's some advice about how to stay cool at night during the warm spell:
ensure your bedroom is well ventilated – keep windows open and curtains closed during the day,
stay hydrated,
choose duvets, pillows and bed linens that dissipate heat (Coleman recommends using a material like wool as it can regulate temperature),
have a cold water bottle instead of a hot water bottle,
sleep in cool clothes or no clothes,
avoid taking cold showers, keeping your room too cold or eating late at night, as these things can cause the body to heat up.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
11 hours ago
- The Journal
HIQA confirmed two new children's care homes on same day it said operator breached standards
THE OPERATOR OF a number of private care homes for children with disabilities was given permission to open two new homes on the same day that a report detailed a number of breaches of standards at an existing site. Inspectors at a care home for children with disabilities in April said Irish company Lotus Care Ltd was not compliant with a number of care standards and that development plans for residents were not properly completed. The firm, who owns and operates a number of centres in the midlands, had previously been told to make improvements to a child's timetable at a different facility earlier this year, after inspectors found it repeated for months on end – except for one trip to the zoo . The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), the agency in charge of inspecting and monitoring residential care centres for children, did not explain why it approved two new sites owned by Lotus Care Ltd when asked by The Journal. An inspection report at Lime Tree Lodge in Co Offaly, published on 18 July, detailed that staff had no received proper training in a number of skills. It also highlighted governance failures in respect of this oversight. A Lotus Care spokesperson has said it welcomed Hiqa's review of Lime Tree Lodge and 'fully accepts the findings of the inspection report'. The firm noted that the majority of the inspector's findings were 'overwhelmingly positive'. On the same day the report was uploaded to Hiqa's website, the authority also published documentation showing that it had approved two new sites operated by Lotus Care, Willow Brook in Co Laois and Cedar Lodge in Offaly. Willow Brook was approved exactly three months after the unannounced inspection at Lime Tree Lodge and Cedar Lodge was fully registered the day before the review was made public. A spokesperson for Hiqa said that providers are obliged to apply to register all new centres with the authority, adding that an operator's fitness and ability to comply with standards is also examined prior to approval. Advertisement Hiqa's Chief Inspector of Social Services Finbarr Colfer, who has the responsibility to approve new centres, recently told the Oireachtas that meeting and being compliant with care requirements are the basic standards for all providers . The Ombudsman for Children's office told The Journal that the state has a 'duty' to protect the rights of children with disabilities who are cared for outside their homes, in respect of education, healthcare and participation in society. 'Standards and inspections are a crucial part of the delivery of high-quality care and ensure the continual improvement in service delivery for children,' it said, adding that the state must also 'ensure they receive high-quality care'. Despite being the watchdog of residential care centres, such as nursing homes, Colfer also told the Oireachtas that Hiqa does not have legislative powers to regulate facilities for children . While HIQA carries out inspections on the facilities, it is unclear which agency regulates them as both the HSE and Tusla have told The Journal they do not. The unannounced inspection at Lime Tree Lodge, carried out in April, found that the two residents living there at the time were relaxed and happy. They also noted that the staff were aware of their needs, preferences and interests. It added, however, that staff members were not properly trained in fire safety, medicine administration or manual handling skills. Inspectors noted governance and managing failures in respect of the scheduling of training for staff. They added that development plans for the two children needed to be improved. Lotus Care said it fully accepts Hiqa's findings. Lotus Care told The Journal that management took 'immediate action' and that all staff received the necessary fire safety training within 48 hours of the inspection's completion. 'Lotus Care is committed to quality improvement and ensuring all in our care receive the opportunity to reach their full potential,' it added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
a day ago
- The Journal
Batches of Brie Mariotte recalled due to possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes
VARIOUS BATCHES OF Brie Mariotte have been recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said there is currently no evidence that this food recall is linked with the listeriosis outbreak to ready-to-heat meals or the recall of spinach and mixed leaves products. That separate recall notice saw a large number of food items recalled between late July and August due to the possible presence of the harmful bacteria Listeria monocytogenes . Regarding the implicated batches of Brie Mariotte , recall notices will be displayed at point-of-sale and retailers are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale. The implicated batched are the Brie Mariotte 1kg pack, with best before dates up to and including 30/08/2025, and all pack sizes with use by dates sold between 08/06/2025 and 13/08/2025. Wholesalers/distributors are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batches and caterers should not use the implicated batches. Advertisement Consumers are also advised not to eat the implicated batches and the FSAI has advised consumers to dispose of them, or return them to the store where they purchased them, as directed by the retailer Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The pathogenic bacteria, according to the FSAI, can cause diarrhoea, fever, headache and muscle pain. In rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications. Some people are more vulnerable to Listeria monocytogenes infections, including pregnant women, babies, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly. These individuals are advised to avoid higher risk foods and ensure that they cook ready-to-heat meals thoroughly until piping hot, and in line with manufacturer's instructions. If you have eaten any recalled foods and you feel unwell, seek medical advice. If you feel well, you don't need to do anything. The incubation period (time between initial infection and first symptoms appearing) is three weeks on average, but can range between three and 70 days. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
a day ago
- The Journal
The ISPCA and DSPCA are merging and rebranding to crack down on animal cruelty
TWO LEADING ANIMAL welfare charities are merging to create a new national animal welfare organisation and improve delivery of services, as the country sees record breaking levels of animal welfare issues. DSPCA and ISPCA have signed an agreement to form a single, integrated national animal welfare organisation, the National SPCA, which will be up and running by October 1 2025. According to the charities, Ireland is currently experiencing an animal welfare crisis, with record numbers of animals requiring rescue, treatment and rehoming. Advertisement The Journal previously reported that since Covid-19 animal welfare organisations have been under significant strain, with some charities only having the resources to take the most urgent neglect cases . Chief Inspector for the ISPCA, Conor Dowling, told The Journal there has been a rise in animal neglect due to a 'lasting fallout from Covid and the lockdowns' when dog ownership and breeding increased. ISPCA and DSPCA are Ireland's largest animal welfare organisations in the country, they are coming together to benefit from 'combined resources, structure, expertise, facilities and geographical reach'. A kitten rescued by the DSPCA. According to a statement released today, the National SPCA plans to deliver a greater impact on animal welfare by having one strong voice for animal welfare and one national animal welfare inspectorate. Related Reads DSPCA calls for task force to address 'growing' horse welfare crisis in Dublin Increase in animal neglect since Covid-19 means Irish shelters can only take urgent cases The merger will also expand national animal welfare education programmes and operate national animal shelters. Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA, will be Chair of the new organisation and Pat Watt, CEO of DSPCA, will become CEO of the National SPCA when operational. The Board of the new organisation will include representatives of both the DSPCA and the ISPCA. Speaking at the announcement, DSPCA CEO, Pat Watt said; 'This is a transformational and exciting development for animal welfare in Ireland, bringing together the two largest animal welfare charities who share a mutual commitment, ambition and vision to form one integrated national animal welfare organisation.' Paul Connell, Chair of the DSPCA said: 'The new charity represents a positive pooling of resources, expertise, history and DNA to create a stronger national entity that will deliver a seamless national approach to benefit animal welfare policies, legislation, enforcement and on the ground animal welfare initiatives.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
