Introduction:
A nightmare is a frightening dream that causes individuals to wake up and is connected to unpleasant emotions like fear or worry. Children frequently experience nightmares, but anyone can experience them. Typically, occasional dreams are nothing to be concerned about.
Children between three and six may experience their first nightmares, which tend to lessen by age 10. Girls experience nightmares more frequently during adolescence and young adulthood than guys. Some individuals experience them as adults or their entire lives. Though prevalent, nightmare disorder is somewhat uncommon. The term "nightmare disorder" refers to a condition in which dreams frequently occur, cause anxiety, interfere with sleep, impair everyday functioning, or instill a fear of falling asleep.
What Are the Symptoms of Nightmare Disorder?
A person will most likely experience a nightmare in the second half of the night. Nightmares can happen infrequently, frequently, or multiple times throughout the night. Although episodes are usually brief, they startle the person up, making it challenging to fall back asleep. Some elements may be present in a nightmare:
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The dream is extremely upsetting and seems realistic. It frequently worsens as it progresses.
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The dream narrative typically involves dangers to one's safety or survival while occasionally containing other unsettling elements.
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The dream awakens the person.
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The dream causes people to feel terrified, nervous, furious, sad, or disgusted.
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Some people have a racing heart or a sweaty feeling when in bed.
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Upon waking up, people have clear thinking and can remember the specifics of their dreams.
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A person can be upset by his dream, making it difficult to get back to sleep.
Having nightmares is only regarded as a disorder if a person:
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The person has a lot of instances.
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Significant suffering or impairment throughout the day, such as continuous fear, anxiety, or worrying about experiencing another nightmare before bed.
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Difficulties are paying attention or remembering things, or the person keeps thinking about his dreams.
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Daytime weariness, poor energy, or sleepiness.
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Operational issues at work, in school, or in social settings.
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Issues with behavior due to fear of the dark or going to bed
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Parents or other caregivers may experience substantial sleep disturbance and distress if they have a child with a nightmare disorder.
What Are the Causes of Nightmare Disorder?
Several things might cause nightmares, including:
Anxiety: Sometimes, everyday concerns, like a conflict at home or school, might set off nightmares. The same thing might happen when there is a significant shift, like a move or losing a loved one. Dreams are more likely to occur when anxiety is present.
Trauma: After an accident, injury, physical or sexual abuse, or other traumatic incident, nightmares are frequent. Those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder frequently experience nightmares (PTSD).
Sleep Deprivation: Changes in the routine that disrupt or shorten sleep or generate irregular sleeping and waking hours can raise the risk of nightmares. Nightmare risk is higher in individuals who experience insomnia.
Medications: Certain medications, such as several antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, beta-blockers, therapies for Parkinson's disease, and medications to aid in quitting smoking, might cause nightmares.
Substance Misuse: Using or withdrawing from recreational drugs and alcohol can cause nightmares.
Disorders: Dreams may be related to depression and other mental health issues. Certain medical disorders, such as cancer or heart disease, can cause nightmares. In addition, various sleep disorders that make it difficult to get a good night's sleep may be related to nightmares.
Television: Some people may experience nightmares after watching terrifying movies or reading disturbing literature, especially before bed.
What Are the Risk Factors and Complications of Nightmare Disorder?
When family members have a history of nightmares or other sleep parasomnias, such as talking while asleep, nightmares are more likely to occur. As a result of nightmare disorder, people experience the following complications:
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Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause issues at work or school, trouble concentrating on daily duties like driving, and mood issues, such as despair or anxiety brought on by persistently bothersome dreams.
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Fear of having another nightmare keeps the person from sleeping or getting into bed.
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Thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide.
How Is the Diagnosis of Nightmare Disorder Performed?
The diagnosis of nightmare disorder is not usually made with tests. Nightmares are regarded as a disorder only when unpleasant dreams cause distress or prevent individuals from getting enough sleep. The doctor examines the patient's medical history and symptoms to identify a nightmare disorder. The assessment could consist of the following:
Exam: The patient might have a physical examination to determine if any medical issues are causing the dreams. If the frequent dreams point to underlying anxiety, the doctor can recommend that the patient see a mental health specialist.
Discussion: A diagnosis of nightmare disorder is typically made after listening to a patient describe their nightmares. The doctor could inquire about any sleep disorders in the family. If necessary, the doctor may also inquire about how the patient or his partner sleeps and raise the prospect of other sleep disorders.
Nocturnal Sleep Study: The doctor can suggest an overnight sleep study if the sleep is interrupted to determine whether the nightmares are related to another sleep problem. While sleeping, sensors attached to the body will record and keep track of the brain waves, blood oxygen levels, breathing, heart rate, and eye and leg movements. To record the actions during sleep cycles, a person can be videotaped.
What Is the Treatment for Nightmare Disorder?
Typically, treatment for nightmares is not required. But, if the nightmares make it difficult for the person to function during the day or disturb sleep, treatment may be necessary. The disorder's underlying etiology influences treatment options. Therapy choices could be:
Medical Treatment: Treatment is directed at the underlying issue if the nightmares are linked to a medical condition.
Anxiety Treatment: The doctor could advise stress-reduction strategies, counseling, or treatment with a mental health professional if a mental health condition like stress or worry appears to be causing the dreams.
Imagery Rehearsal Therapy: In this therapy, the ending of the recollected nightmare is changed while the person is awake to make it less dangerous. This technique is frequently utilized with persons who experience nightmares due to PTSD. The new ending is then practiced in the head. This strategy might lessen nightmare occurrences.
Medication: Nightmares are rarely treated with medication. Yet, for severe PTSD-related dreams, medicines might be advised.
Conclusion
Acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are the mental health issues most frequently linked to repeated nightmares in adulthood. In addition, certain drugs and substances may cause or intensify nightmares during treatment or withdrawal.
