Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, often causing feelings of intense fear, terror, or distress. Unlike night terrors, which typically occur during the transition from deep sleep to REM, nightmares are often remembered upon waking.

Common Nightmare Themes

While nightmares can vary greatly in content, some common themes include:

• Being chased or attacked: A sense of danger or pursuit can be a recurring theme in nightmares.
• Falling: The sensation of falling from a great height can be particularly frightening.
• Being trapped: Feeling confined or unable to escape can be a source of anxiety in nightmares.
• Death or injury: Dreams involving death, injury, or illness can be deeply disturbing.
• Social embarrassment or failure: Fear of public humiliation or failure can manifest in nightmares.

Causes of Nightmares

Nightmares can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress can lead to increased anxiety and nightmares.
• Trauma: Experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, violence, or natural disasters, can trigger nightmares.
• Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants and antihistamines, can increase the likelihood of nightmares.
• Medical conditions: Underlying medical conditions, such as sleep disorders or neurological problems, can contribute to nightmares.
• Substance abuse: Using alcohol or drugs can disrupt sleep and increase the frequency of nightmares.
• Sleep apnea: This sleep disorder, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, can lead to fragmented sleep and increased nightmares.
• Sleep deprivation: Lack of adequate sleep can make individuals more susceptible to nightmares.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to experiencing nightmares.

When Nightmares Become a Problem

While occasional nightmares are a normal part of sleep, frequent or recurring nightmares can significantly impact a person's quality of life. If nightmares are interfering with your sleep, daily functioning, or mental well-being, it's important to seek professional help.

Anza Wellness offers a variety of services to address nightmare disorders. Our mental health professionals can provide therapy, counseling, and medication management to help you manage your nightmares and improve your sleep quality.

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available.