What is Nightmare Disorder? (Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention)

Nightmare Disorder is also called parasomnia. Which is a condition in which a person experiences frequent vivid nightmares. Each person goes through about 4 to 6 sleep cycles each night. As we continue sleeping the length of REM sleep increases, per cycle. Nightmares occur most often during the REM stage. Thus, patients are more likely to have nightmares during the last 2 cycles. Everyone experiences nightmares from time to time. It's when they are recurrent and create problems that it needs to be addressed.

What are the Symptoms of Nightmare Disorder? Parasomnia does not necessarily occur every night. When a person does have nightmares, they typically experience: Disturbing, vivid dreams, related to personal safety or survival. As well as dreams of being awake, feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness and anger. Including waking in a cold sweat with a racing heartbeat and inability to sleep. They may recall details and feel distressed with difficulty functioning. When nightmare disorder manifests in children, content of dreams will vary. As they age, the Nightmare Disorder will most likely become more complex. A younger child may often dream of monsters. While older children have nightmares related to difficulties at home or school.

What are the Causes of Nightmare Disorder? Nightmare disorder often co-occurs with other psychological conditions. The most common of which being depression, schizophrenia and PTSD. Of these 3, PTSD has the greatest link to nightmare disorder. With around 60% of sufferers also experiencing frequent nightmares. However, not all people who suffer from it suffer from another disorder. Researchers believe that "Affective Load", may play a role. Affective Load is the amount of stress an individual experience day-to-day. There's also a substantial hereditary component to the experience of nightmares. Recreational and prescription abuse are at greatest risk of Nightmare Disorder. Psychologists have also noted that nightmare disorder is more common in females. And slightly less common in people over 40.

How is Nightmare Disorder Treated? Most of the time, nightmares do not require treatment. If sleep disruptions are great, doctors may recommend a variety of therapies. Dreams of other health issues will usually improve once it's treated. Certain medications can be used to reduce REM sleep. While counseling and therapy help relieve anxiety and stress. Imagery rehearsal therapy is often used for patients with PTSD or other traumas.

How is Nightmare Disorder Prevented? Researchers have not yet established preventative measures that are effective. If Affective Load is the primary cause, there may be preventative options. Avoiding stress would be the first line of defense. As this would prevent the Affective Load from becoming too great. If this is not possible or practical, there are several effective treatments: 1. Cognitive therapy 2. Mindfulness meditation 3. Progressive relaxation Be sure to consult with your doctor about your health concerns.

If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe! This video is meant for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

[Hehe-wdiy]

90% of my dreams are nightmares and the 10% mostly turn into nightmares

[thomashan]

The best part about nightmares is waking up! 😤

[nalaninani]

Let's just say with my nightmares I could be the next Stephen king 😩

[apieceofkookieandacupoftae]

I get 2 nightmares at least every single night someone help I'm to the point where I dont even want to sleep

[vsoeuuebd]

*I always have scary nightmares sometimes i even woke up crying*

[ratlikesqueak]

I woke up crying this morning having witnessed 20 murders in my dream last night, they were all so vivid even after i woke up i was still crying

[brxken_vixbes]

All I ever dream of is pain and death...I'm not even trying to lie at this point...My head just hurts and I want it to end😟😔

[braden]

I have nightmares so often I'm scared of going to sleep, that’s why I go on YouTube until 4AM or so

[christowers]

I haven't dreamt in like a long time, but the last 2 days I've been experiencing basically horror movies, and I wake up in a sweat and panic, and my heartrate jumps. I'm tempted to just pull all nighters to avoid them.

[sumathijai]

My nightmares are so vivid that I remember them, every single detail, after waking up
I write it down, it goes for PAGES, I could literally direct a whole movie with all that

[rayofsunshine]

Ive had nightmare disorder ever since I can remember. Every night a new nightmare and I had no idea why. My parents thought it was something I would grow out of and so my treatment was put off for years and now my nightmares have significantly impacted my view of reality. Nobody cares because it's "not real, " but it feels so real to me. Please get help if you struggle with this.

[aliceyaoi]

Had 4 nightmares in the last couple of days....i can't anymore

[phillysteak-tv]

I get nightmares every night. I am Litteratly afraid to sleep

[andromedalynn]

I get sleep paralysis a lot ( an hour ago that’s why I was looking up dreams). It’s beyond terrifying & leaves me shook up.

[katherinebell]

I keep having dreams about running away from some horrifying creature/threat. When they aren’t, the dream is just kind of creepy. They’re not the kind that I’ll be scared of/remember but every morning waking up feels like the biggest relief of my life. Because in these dreams I always feel like I’ve accepted them as how life will be forever, constantly running and hiding. It’s exhausting and it’s honestly just something that leaves me feeling drained in the morning.

[rickybrowne]

I haven’t had a peaceful nights sleep in over 2 years and I’m literally jealous of everyone I come in contact with because for them sleep is something to look forward to and for me it’s something I wish I didn’t have to do :(

[queennaishusband]

I have so many nightmares that they often had sequels. Normal dreams too. A dream of mine i had like 3 or 4 episodes and nightmares usually just 2 episodes soo yeah my life is weird

[bootganggirl]

I'm 12 years old and I have horrifying nightmares literally almost every day and every time I sleep for my entire life

[kaylawolf]

I get nightmares as soon as I close my eyes

[veemoneybeats]

I had a dream i was sitting down watching tv and my back bust open wings and i flew out the window