It may be the end of the day when we rest our heads on the pillow, but not for our brains. Our minds are still busy creating ways of communicating with us while we sleep.

Although the cerebral cortex might be tuning out the world as you rest, your brain is still busy processing thoughts like tasks that need to be done or upcoming projects. And it is processing feelings like fear, anticipation, happiness, or anger which can appear in your dreams. Those feelings combined with information are things your brain receives in the awake world. When it’s time for bed, those feelings mixed with ideas, personal history, and information can make for some interesting dreams.  

Interpreting dreams isn’t an approximate science. And we are a Brownsville personal injury law firm of attorneys, not dream interpreters. Still, we can offer some thoughts on what it means when you dream of a car crash. 

Being prepared for a car accident may be the best way to get a good night’s sleep

If someone dreams of car accidents or similar stressful situations, there can be many reasons. The mind continues to work out problems and consider solutions while a person is sleeping. The Sleep Foundation explains that interpreting dreams is still rather new. And keeping a dream journal can help to being the process of evaluating those nighttime thoughts. We’d like to believe that a startling dream, like getting into a car crash, might mean your subconscious is just concerned about being prepared. And instead of a nightmare, that could be a helpful push to consider being prepared for such a situation in real life. 

It might help RGV Texas locals to work on a simple checklist to make sure they are prepared if a car accident were to occur. For instance; 

• Make sure all your paperwork is up-to-date and accessible. That includes auto insurance, medical insurance, vehicle registration, and driver’s license.
• Review your insurance coverage. There are various types of auto and medical insurance. See if it’s time to make some smart changes.
• Keep an emergency car kit handy. Flares, flashlights, a blanket, and a simple first-aid kit are smart to carry in the trunk.
• Keep a list of family and friends to call for support. If you get a crash, does someone need to pick the kids up from school? Be ready to reach out to those who can help.
• A list of medicines and allergies you have is nice for emergency healthcare workers to find when they arrive.
• Make sure your car is regularly serviced and in good driving condition. Also, check if your tires are in good shape and can handle bad weather, such as heavy rainstorms. 
• Make sure to have the contact for a great Brownsville personal injury lawyer nearby. Call us first after the initial accident and before considering filing an insurance claim.

If preparations have been made to handle a car accident, but your mind is racing in the middle of the night, we have a few ideas for that, too! 

Try to stay away from caffeinated coffee, tea, and other drinks after 1 pm. Late afternoon stimulants make it hard to wind down at night. Skip scrolling on the phone or watching TV and settle down to read a book or do some calming stretches before bed. If your mind is still racing with thoughts, write them down. Dumping them on a piece of paper can help clear your head. Next, take some deep, focused breaths. 

A simple meditation practice can help. Inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth. In your mind, envision a busy street with all those thoughts and allow yourself to stand on the sidewalk and “watch” all of them speeding by. 

Finally, knowing you are prepared if a car accident happens in the Brownsville area may help to drift off in peaceful slumber!