![]() According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s estimated that more than 70 percent of people with PTSD have trauma-related recurring nightmares. “The emotions become so overwhelming that the sleeper ends up waking up, so whatever work was being done becomes interrupted,” explains Zadra.Īnother condition that can increase risk of nightmares is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. While dreams often help us work things through, regulate our emotions, and address concerns, nightmares likely represent a breakdown in this function, he notes. Why We Have NightmaresĪ variety of factors, including stress, trauma, or even certain medications such as beta-blockers, can increase your risk of having nightmares, says Zadra. “That can take different forms such as avoiding sleep or falling back asleep for fear that the nightmares will continue, and the negative emotions and images we experience in our nightmares may linger with us and interfere with how well we can start the next day and focus on other things," says ZadraĪccording to Zadra, there is a growing awareness both among healthcare professionals and the general public that nightmares that interfere with daily life can impact sleep quality and overall health and well-being. “Nightmares can start to cause significant daytime distress,” says Zadra. ![]() In comparison, says Zadra, only about 4 percent have nightmare disorder, which is defined as nightmares that occur frequently - generally about once a week or more - and can negatively impact sleep quality, cause insomnia, and interfere with daily function. These vivid dreams can be frightening, upsetting, or bizarre, and are very common.Īccording to the Sleep Foundation, as many as three-quarters of people experience the occasional nightmare. Most of us have had a bad dream now and then, but nightmares tend to be more intense and cause you to wake up, explains Dr. ![]() These are some common themes that make unwelcome appearances in people’s nightmares, according to Antonio Zadra, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Montreal and a researcher at the University’s Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine. Or maybe you’re being stalked by an invisible monster, or being insulted or rejected by a coworker or someone you love. A swarm of small insects is hot on your trail.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |