Nightmares consultation

A nightmare is a distressing dream that can cause strong negative emotional responses from the mind, typically fear or horror. These intense dreams usually occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep. Nightmares are often vivid, and the emotions felt can linger even after awakening, sometimes making it difficult to return to sleep. They are more common in children but can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of nightmares include waking up feeling frightened, having a detailed memory of the dream, experiencing rapid heartbeat, sweating, and feeling anxious or overwhelmed. In some cases, frequent nightmares may lead to sleep avoidance, causing fatigue and impacting overall well-being. It's also possible for people to develop a fear of going to sleep due to the anticipation of another nightmare.

Treating nightmares involves understanding and addressing the underlying causes, which could be stress, anxiety, trauma, or certain medications. Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a calming bedtime routine, can help. Techniques like writing down dreams and discussing them, relaxation exercises, and, in some cases, professional therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be effective. Reducing stress through exercise, meditation, or hobbies can also contribute to reducing the frequency of nightmares.