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For people with nightmare disorder, disturbing dreams can become a chronic and debilitating condition that affects their daily life.
In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms and treatments for the disorder. Nightmares are a common occurrence for many people, especially during times of stress or anxiety.
Nightmare vs night terrors
Nightmares and night terrors are two different sleep disorders that can cause distressing experiences during sleep. Although they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two.
Nightmares are bad dreams that occur during REM sleep. During REM sleep, the brain is active and engaged in the process of dreaming. Nightmares usually occur during the second half of the night, and a person is likely to remember the content of the dream.
They're often caused by stress, anxiety or traumatic experiences. A person may wake up feeling scared, anxious or upset after a nightmare. Nightmares are more common in children but can also occur in adults. They can be disruptive to a person's sleep and can cause feelings of anxiety or fear that persist after waking up.
Nght terror is a sleep disorder that occurs during non-REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep before the onset of dreaming. Night terrors usually occur during the first few hours of sleep and are more common in children.
During a night of terror, a person may suddenly sit up in bed, scream and appear to be in a state of panic, but they're not fully awake. Unlike nightmares, a person experiencing a night terror is unlikely to remember the event the next morning.
Night terrors are often caused by sleep deprivation, stress, fever or medications. They can be particularly distressing for the person experiencing them, as well as for their bed partner or family members who witness them.
What is nightmare disorder?
Nightmare disorder is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent and intense nightmares that disrupt a person's sleep and cause significant distress or impairment in their daily life. These nightmares often involve themes of danger, threat or horror and can leave a person feeling scared, anxious and even physically shaken.
The disorder is different from other sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia, as it specifically involves the experience of nightmares. According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals, nightmare disorder is classified as a parasomnia disorder, which means that it involves abnormal behavior or experiences during sleep.
Causes of nightmare disorder
Nightmare disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Psychological trauma: Traumatic experiences like abuse, violence or natural disasters can lead to the development of nightmare disorder. These experiences can leave a lasting impact on a person's mental health, causing recurring nightmares.
- Medications: Certain medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics and blood pressure medications can lead to development of nightmares.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse, especially of drugs that affect the central nervous system, can disrupt a person's sleep and lead to development of nightmares.
- Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can cause a person's brain to become more susceptible to nightmares.
Symptoms of nightmare disorder
The main symptom is the experience of frequent and intense nightmares that cause significant distress or impairment in a person's daily life.
Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fear of falling asleep or going to bed
- Sleep disturbances like night sweats or sleepwalking
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Impaired concentration or memory
- Mood disturbances like anxiety or depression
Treatment for nightmare disorder
The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disorder. Some common treatment options include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing a person's thought patterns and behaviors.
CBT for nightmare disorder may involve exposure therapy, where a person is gradually exposed to the feared stimulus (in this case, the content of their nightmares) in a safe and controlled environment.
Medications: Medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers and certain antipsychotics can be used to reduce frequency and intensity of nightmares.
Lifestyle changes: Simple lifestyle changes like practicing good sleep hygiene (such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and creating a relaxing bedtime routine) can help reduce frequency and intensity of nightmares.
Treating underlying medical conditions: If a nightmare disorder is caused by an underlying medical condition like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome, treating that condition may help reduce frequency and intensity of nightmares.
Nightmare disorder can be a distressing and debilitating condition that affects a person's quality of life.
It's important to seek help if you're experiencing frequent and intense nightmares, as there're effective treatments available. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options for the disorder, you can take steps to manage this condition and improve your sleep and overall well-being.
