4 mantras to chant before sleep to prevent bad dreams

Chanting, be it in the form of mantras, shlokas or just ‘Naam Japa’ is an important part of Hinduism and many other cultures. It is said that chanting helps people centre their mind, be more focused and afterwards, have a better, blissful day, as the chanting helps them calm down and makes positive energies surround them.
Just like we have mantras for different Gods and occasions, it is also said that there are some mantras, chanting which can be of great benefit to have a good night’s sleep. Chanting those mantras before bedtime helps calm the mind, ease anxiety, and invite positive energy into the subconscious.

The primordial sound of OM is known to be the essence of creation in itself. It is said that ‘OM’ was the first sound that came out of the universe and thus it is an all encompassing mantra to chant. Chanting OM before sleep is like tuning into the universal energy frequency, and connecting yourself to the source of all existence. The sacred energy and vibrations that OM emits not just purifies the mind and soul but also removes any mental clutter that would have been accumulated through the day. Once the excess worries are gone and the sound OM calms the monkey mind down, it helps have a better and relaxed sleep.

Dedicated to Hanuman ji, the protector deity, Hanuman Chalisa is a hymn everyone should remember. Hanuman ji is considered to be the ultimate protector and strength-giver in times of need. It is said that when someone calls out to Hanuman ji with utmost devotion, he answers very fast because being an immortal, he lives much closer to Earth and his devotees.
It is believed that if someone gets a lot of bad, negative dreams and believes that the energies around them aren't pure, chanting the Hanuman Chalisa can help immensely. The lines of ‘Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahavir Jab Naam Sunave’ work both as an assurance and protection. His divine grace serves as a shield against evil forces, ensuring a restful sleep free from disturbances.

The Mahamrityunjay Mantra is a powerful invocation for overcoming fear and conquering the human fear of being caught in the cycle of life and death. The continuous and repeated chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, starting with the sound OM, is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, the cosmic healer. By chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra before sleep, people ask Shiv ji for his divine protection from untimely death and the fear associated with it. When asking for Shiv ji’s blessings and his protection, the person is also relieved and set away from any harmful, impure energies that might be surrounding him or her, thus providing a good night’s sleep, away from any harm or nightmares.

Mantra - ‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Nidra Rupena Samsthita, Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah’