Q: Use a tape measure to figure out the length of the open you hope to block with the gate. Most gates will fit into a standard doorway, but you may need to do a bit more digging to find the right model for wider or narrower spaces. If you're installing your gate at the top of a staircase, make sure to measure at least 6 inches (15 cm) back from the edge of the top stair. This is where you'll want to place the gate. For maximum stability, you should attach the gate's mounting hardware onto the solid wood of a door frame or, if the opening doesn't have a wood door frame, through the drywall and plaster into the wood framing of the wall. Manufacturers usually supply plastic plugs to screw the baby gate into the drywall itself, but most experts agree they aren't strong enough on their own. Instead, use a stud finder to locate the wood framing (stud) behind the drywall.  Do not install hardware onto round or uneven banister posts. This can cause your gate to be unstable or difficult to open and close.  If there is no wall stud located where you want to place the gate, build a frame by mounting a piece of wood vertically on each side of the gate. Attach the frame to the drywall using a toggle bolt (also known as a butterfly anchor) or a wooden stairwell post. Once you've located a sturdy place to hang the gate, use a screwdriver or drill to attach the wall mounts. The exact form of the mounts will depend on the type of gate you buy: if the gate hinges from one side rather than opening with a door in the center, you will install hinges on one side of the frame. Either way, the baby gate should come with the appropriate mounting hardware.  Use screws that are long enough to extend through the hardware, drywall, and into the wall stud for maximum stability. Sometimes the screws that come with gates are not long enough, so you may need to replace them with your own supplies.  The bottom wall mount or hinge should be no more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the floor. Installing it any higher will create a risk for your baby to become trapped it if they try to crawl underneath.  Install the mounts so that the gate will swing open over the floor, not over the steps. Some baby gates will come fully assembled, but others may require you to put a few pieces together yourself. Since this assembly varies widely depending on the type of gate (plastic vs. fabric vs. wood, for example), be sure to follow the manufacturers' instructions closely. For most models, you will simply slide the body of the baby gate (the part that actually blocks the opening) down into the wall mounts. Others may need to be clipped or screwed in. Read the manufacturers' instructions to ensure you are properly attaching the gate to the wall mounts or hinges. Your baby gate should be able to withstand frequent opening and closing, as well as hard pushes or pulls from your child. If the gate wobbles or appears unsteady as you test it, try tightening the screws attaching the wall mounts. Watch the wall mounts as you test the gate: if they seem like they're pulling out, you may need to get longer screws that can drill deeper into the studs.
A: Measure the opening to ensure your gate will fit. Locate a stud or wooden door frame to support the gate. Screw the mounts or hinges on the wall. Assemble the body of the baby gate. Hang the assembled baby gate onto the wall mounts. Test the gate by pushing and pulling on it repeatedly.

Q: Nightmares occur in both adults and children.  Despite being a dream, nightmares are a real symptom of something that needs addressing in your waking life.  The two main causes of nightmares are:  Stress. Major life event, such as the loss of a loved one or trauma. Beyond the two main causes of nightmares, stress and trauma, there are a multitude of additional potential causes. Examine the following possible causes of your nightmares to see if any of them are applicable to your situation:  A new drug prescribed by your healthcare provider.  Certain medications could cause nightmares as a side effect.  Interactions with existing prescriptions and any new medications could also be responsible.  Ask your doctor about any new prescriptions and if they may be responsible for your nightmares. Drinking too much alcohol.  Alcohol consumption can cause nightmares by interrupting deeper levels of sleep, when dreams often occur.  Reduce alcohol consumption to improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency of nightmares caused by heavy alcohol usage. Eating just before going to bed.  When you eat before bed, your metabolism increases, keeping you awake and preventing you from having deep, restful sleep.  Avoid any snacks before bed to sleep better and lower the chances of having a nightmare. Illness with a fever.  Being ill, especially with a fever, can interrupt sleep patterns and cause nightmares.  After you recover from the fever or illness, your nightmares should reduce in frequency.  If they do not, talk with your doctor and look for another possible cause together. Stopping certain prescriptions.  Ending your usage of a prescription, with a doctor's order, can be responsible for nightmares.  If you are experiencing nightmares after ending a prescription, ask your doctor if this may be responsible and what to expect as you end the medication. Your nightmares may have common elements or will be exact repeats of previous nightmares.  If you have the same nightmare consistently there may be unique causes behind this type of nightmare.  The two main causes repeating nightmares are:  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  71% to 96% of those with PTSD have been found to have  may have nightmares.  PTSD is caused by a terrifying event, either witnessed or undergone directly.  Severe anxiety or depression.  Suffering from either severe anxiety or depression can cause repetitive nightmares.  Work with your doctor, therapist, or counselor to help reduce your anxiety or depression, which will in turn help to stop your nightmares. Bad dreams, nightmares, and sleep terrors are considered to be different events.  They all have their own characteristics, and knowing which one you are experiencing, can help you to gauge what level your nightmares are at.  Bad dreams are unpleasant dreams and they do not awaken you. Nightmares have the images and sounds of a dream, and are so terrifying that you awaken. Sleep terrors have no images or dreams, only an extreme feeling of terror and sometimes sleep paralysis. Your doctor may be able to provide a prescription, or recommend an over-the-counter sleep aid, to help you combat your nightmares.  Medications for nightmares are not for everyone, and may only work in certain cases.  Some of the more common over-the-counter sleep aids are:  Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by your body and it controls your sleep-wake cycle.  Effects may be mild but melatonin should increase the likely-hood that you will fall asleep easier.  Melatonin may cause headaches and daytime sleepiness as side effects. Doxylamine succinate (Unisom Sleep Tabs). Doxylamine is an antihistamine and has a sedating effect. You may notice side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. Valerian. Valerian is a plant that is used as a sleep aid.  Studies are divided as to its effectiveness.  There are generally no side effects when using Valerian. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom SleepGels, others). Diphenhydramine is another antihistamine with a sedating effect.  The drowsiness caused by diphenhydramine can help you to fall asleep.  Pay attention to side effects such as daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. Sleep aids may leave you feeling tired and groggy during the day. Medication interactions are possible with sleep aids.  Side effects and safety are uncertain with many sleep aids.  Ask your doctor if sleep medications are right for you.
A:
Learn the main causes of nightmares. Discover other causes of nightmares. Examine your nightmares for repetition. Learn the differences between bad dreams, nightmares and sleep terrors. Talk to your doctor.