What Is Nightmare Disorder?
Nightmare disorder, or dream anxiety disorder, is a sleep disorder marked by frequent nightmares.
Such nightmares usually occur during the REM stage of sleep.
A diagnosis of nightmare disorder is only made if the nightmares cause distress, fear of sleeping or problems with daytime functioning.
Causes Of Nightmare Disorder:
Nightmare disorder can be caused by a number of reasons.
Ordinary stresses, such as problem at home, can trigger nightmares
Accidents, injuries and other traumatic event may cause post-traumatic disorder. PTSD may cause nightmares.
Irregular sleeping and waking times can increase risk of having nightmares
Drugs, used to
treat Parkinson’s disease, may trigger nightmares as side effects.
Alcohol and illegal drug use or withdrawal can trigger nightmares.
- Scary books and movies.
- Other disorders
Some medical conditions and mental health disorders as well as other sleep disorders can be associated with having nightmares.
Symptoms Of Nightmare Disorder:
Nightmares experienced by those suffering from nightmare disorder may include the following features:
- Nightmare seems vivid and real, often becoming more disturbing as the dream unfolds
- Dream storyline is usually related to threats to your safety or survival
- One feels scared, anxious, angry, sad or disgusted as a result of the dream
- one feels sweaty or have a pounding heartbeat, but do not leave the bed
- one can think clearly upon awakening and can recall details of the dream
- the dream keeps one from falling back to sleep easily
- Usually the sleeper may scream or yell out things
Diagnosis Of Nightmare Disorder:
Nightmare cannot be diagnosed through tests.
The doctor may refer the individual to a psychologist for assessment and management.
Moreover, a sleep study can be done to diagnose sleep disorders.
Treatment Of Nightmare Disorder:
If nightmare causes one distress, treatment can be seeked.
Knowing the underlying cause of nightmares helps in providing treatment to cure it.
The following treatments are available:
- Medical condition treatment.
- Stress or anxiety treatment.
- Imagery rehearsal therapy
By :
Natural Health News
