dreams are good at times but horryfying dreams are nightmare. Describe an incident based on this theme
Answers
Normally, people dream more than two hours a night, and a nightmare usually happens in the later hours of REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep. The dreamer often awakens from a nightmare with a good recollection of the imagery and content. Some researchers call negative dreams “threat rehearsals,” where we rehearse the possible threats we encounter in real life; other researchers say that people are working through upsetting events of the day. Most garden variety nightmares are stress related. However, if nightmares become frequent to the point of dysfunction, the individual may be suffering Nightmare Disorder (formerly Dream Anxiety Disorder). Nightmares are more prevalent among girls than boys, with occurrences starting before age 10. Children and adolescents tend to suffer more, with less frequency among adults. About half of the adult population experience nightmares on occasion.
The body cycles through different stages of sleep, from light sleep to the deep sleep of REM. REM sleep happens through signals from the pons, which is located at the base of the brain. This is, in fact, where signals for REM sleep originate and where signals to the spinal cord shut off. This is why the body doesn’t move during deep sleep; but if the pons does not shut down these signals, the individual may act out the dream physically—known as REM sleep behavior disorder. If the individual is running in the nightmare, for example, he may well start running literally.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of nightmares, as cataloged by the DSM-5:
Waking up repeatedly, and having clear recall of the nightmare's contents, with threats to survival, security, or physical integrity
Usually occurs in the latter part of sleep or during napping
Being alert upon awakening
Feeling distressed, including fear and anxiety
Impairment of function during work or school or other domains
There is no other medical condition or use of medication or substance
Nightmares are more frequent among children and adolescents, with less frequency into adulthood. Half of adults experience nightmares on occasion, and among women more than men. These infrequent bouts do not require treatment. Nightmares may increase with traumatic or adverse events, irregular sleep, sleep deprivation, and jet lag. Some 1 percent of adults who experience frequent nightmares may end up avoiding sleep and should seek help. These individuals may suffer full function at work, school, or home life.
Causes
Cause of nightmares, as cataloged by the DSM-5:
Anxiety and stress are major causes of nightmares
Trauma or upsetting events such as death of a loved one can bring on nightmares
Other causes include a fluctuating sleep schedule, sleep deprivation, jet lag, illness and fever
Side effects of a medication or drug
Medication or drug withdrawal, such as sleeping pills
Alcohol consumption or withdrawal
Difficulty breathing during sleep, such as sleep apnea
Sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or sleep terror disorder
Eating before bedtime
Treatments
Treatment of nightmares, as cataloged by the DSM-5:
Support from friends and relatives can help if you are suffering stress. Witnessing or experiencing trauma may affect you in other areas of functioning. Consulting a mental health professional is recommended. Sharing your feelings whether with family, friends, or a therapist may help you better cope with the events that may be disturbing you. In addition, your physical health may need attention, regular exercise and consistent sleep hygiene are helpful. With physical activity, you may fall asleep faster, and enjoy a deeper sleep. Other helpful tips include relaxation therapy to reduce muscle tension and lessen anxiety.
A new medication may also be a culprit. Discussing prescription drugs with you physician or health practitioner may be required. Discontinuing medication and trying alternatives may be needed.
Substances to limit or avoid altogether may include: tranquilizers, alcohol, caffeine, other stimulants, especially at bedtime.
However, substance or alcohol abuse must be addressed. Seeking help through regular therapy or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous may help.
If you suffer nightmares more than weekly, contact your physician or health professional. Call your health-care provider if they occur more often than weekly, or if they prevent you from getting a good night's rest and persist for a prolonged period. Your medical history and a physical exam may be needed.