Study of Nightmares

Over the years, study of nightmares have captivated people’s minds and imaginations. Because the subject is so fascinating, there has been a surprising amount of research toward the study of nightmares. These studies reveal their unpleasant nature and considerably frequent occurrences. Nightmares are normally unpleasant experiences involving pain, despair, or helplessness. The most complex nightmares occur during REM sleep. If someone is awakened during REM sleep, but can usually remember their dreams with great detail. Nightmares cause someone to wake from their sleep and also leave them with an unsettling feeling once they are awake. Once awakened from a nightmare, it is difficult returning to sleep. It is common to have nightmares, but some find they experience nightmares frequently. This is normally the result of sleeping positions, traumatic experiences, or sickness.

Nightmares can be a symptom of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) Although nightmares are common and normal, if they occur frequently, cause disruption to sleep or are influencing daily activities, it is recommended that one should seek professional help. Talking with a professional could help to determine the cause of the reoccurring nightmares and eventually resolve the problem.

Multiple studies reveal that nightmares occur with higher frequency among young adults due to increased hormone level. The frequency then decreases as one ages. People who are anxious also have a higher chance of experiencing nightmares. Nightmares have also been linked to drug usage and withdrawals from these drugs. Although many tests have been performed and tremendous efforts have been put into studying nightmares, there is still much to learn.

People have interpreted various meanings of nightmares, but the scientific community has not yet determined a definitive answer as to why these nightmares occur.

There are several ways of coping with nightmares. Some professionals treat reoccurring nightmares with similar methods used to help with stress. Treatments include “Imagery Rehearsal” and “Lucid Dreaming.” If the nightmare is a result of a traumatic experience, it is helpful to determine what experience is so unsettling and why the experience was traumatic. Talking with a professional often times helps one cope and resolve the traumatic experience so it no longer disrupts daily life.

In short, the study of nightmares is a growing field. Knowledge about nightmares and their causes continues to be a subject that intrigues and captures the interest of many people. Although this is an expanding field, scientists and researchers already know a great deal about their causes, symptoms, and treatment.

For more information, click on the following link to learn more about the current research and possible treatments for you!