The other night I had a dream that I was being watched by someone in the costume that was worn in the movie “Scream.” It felt like he was watching me sleep. And when I woke up I had the feeling that someone was really watching me and the only other person in the house was my mom and she was asleep. I was really freaked out about this experience. What does it mean?

--Erin, Age 15

Dear Erin:

Let me guess...You've been watching some horror movies? Or at least you caught the latest version of Scream?

Your dream report is very common. After we see a frightening film or disturbing show on television, our minds continue to think about the content of these programs while we sleep. Usually a dream follows within a day or two of watching a frightening show, but it wouldn’t be unheard of for a dream to follow a considerable time afterwards - especially is something you saw or did recently reminded you of that show or film.

Waking up frightened after having such a dream also is typical. People who have nightmares about intruders into their houses often can’t return to sleep until they turn on all the lights, check all the closets, look under the bed, check all the door locks...

Anyways, it’s nothing to be over-concerned about. Your nightmares most likely will soon vanish. But hey - you sure got your money’s worth from those scary movies!