What Causes Nightmare Disorder?

Nightmare Disorder

A nightmare is a very disturbing and unsettling experience. While it isn’t as painful as having a bad dream, a nightmare can be an indication of a more serious health condition. For example, a recurring nightmare might signal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder.

If left untreated, a nightmare can cause distress and interfere with your day-to-day functioning. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to alleviate the effects of a nightmare.

Significant therapy for Nightmare Disorder

One of the newest therapies is called Lucid dreaming. This is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy aimed at transforming a nightmare into a pleasant and realistic experience. Another promising treatment is called Emotional Intelligence Therapy, or EIT.

In addition to modifying the content of the nightmare, the practitioner might recommend techniques such as hypnosis and relaxation. These are all examples of cognitive therapy geared toward treating a complex condition such as PTSD.

The old-fashioned way to reduce the effects of a nightmare is to get a good night’s sleep. Some psychiatric conditions can affect sleep patterns, such as obstructive sleep apnea.

Other factors can contribute to a nightmare-induced snoozefest, including anxiety and stress. You can be on the road to a better night’s sleep by taking some simple steps to reduce your stress levels.

Other nifty tidbits include a plethora of drugs that can help you sleep soundly at night. Nightmares can also be a side effect of some medications, such as beta blockers and antihistamines. Even something as mundane as eating dairy products before bed can increase your chances of having a nightmare.

For a truly meaningful night’s sleep, try a variety of relaxation techniques. Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are all a few simple exercises you can perform at home. Keeping a journal of your dreams can also be a very productive way to deal with nightmares.

The old-fashioned approach to preventing nightmares can involve a combination of medication, talk therapy, and other forms of psychological intervention. Some studies have shown that a night’s rest can decrease the severity of a nightmare by as much as 75%, so it’s worth the effort.

Common Symptoms of Nightmare Disorder

Nightmares are unpleasant experiences that can be a serious problem. They are thought to be caused by various factors, including

• anxiety
• stress
• trauma

Luckily, treatment can help.

Treatment options for nightmare disorder

When it comes to treating nightmares, there are a variety of options. The first step is to figure out what is causing them.

• If you have been experiencing frequent nightmares, you may want to talk to your doctor. You will need to describe your dreams to your doctor. He or she may suggest a mental health professional.
• Another possible reason for nightmarish experiences is an imbalance in the body’s hormones. An imbalance in the hormones can cause emotional problems, immune system problems, and disrupted sleep.
• Medications are also known to cause nightmares. Many medications work by changing the chemical composition of the brain. Therefore, you might need to adjust the dose of your medication to avoid nightmares.
• Treatment options include psychological therapy and medication. Medications can help you think more clearly and reduce the chances of depression.
• If your nightmares are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, you may benefit from targeted psychotherapy techniques.
• EMDR is one type of treatment that helps patients process disturbing events.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another type of therapy that aims to “reprogram” your nightmares. This type of therapy believes that the images and feelings in your dreams are influenced by what you are doing during the day.
• During the course of therapy, you will be asked to rehearse your nightmares while you are awake. A qualified therapist will guide you through the process.

resources and references: MayoClinic, UpToDate. psychcentral, verywellmind, unitedbrainassociation.