Nightmares
Nightmares
Nightmares (/ˈnaɪtmɛərz/; from Old English niht, "night", and mære, "demon") are disturbing or frightening dreams that occur during REM sleep and result in feelings of strong terror, fear, distress or extreme anxiety. This phenomenon tends to occur in the latter part of the night and often awakens the sleeper, who is likely to recall the content of the dream.
Causes
Nightmares can be triggered by many factors, including stress, anxiety, irregular sleep, medications, and illnesses. They are also common in people who have experienced traumatic events, a condition known as PTSD.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of a nightmare is a dream with disturbing content. Most people wake up from nightmares and are able to recall detailed or partial details of their dream. Other symptoms may include feelings of fear, terror, distress, or anxiety upon waking.
Treatment
Treatment for nightmares is not usually necessary. However, in severe cases, counseling or medication may be recommended. CBT is a type of counseling that can help to change the thought patterns that lead to negative behaviors, such as nightmares.
Related Terms
- Dream: A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep.
- Night Terror: A sleep disorder causing feelings of panic or dread typically occurring during the first hours of stage 3-4 non-REM sleep and lasting for 1 to 10 minutes.
- Insomnia: A sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.
- Sleep Paralysis: A temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nightmares
- Wikipedia's article - Nightmares
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