Nightmare Disorder Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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.

• Sleep deprivation.

Irregular sleeping and waking times can increase risk of having nightmares

Drugs, used to treat Parkinson’s disease, may trigger nightmares as side effects.

• Substance abuse.

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