Have you ever woken up from a dream feeling frightened or anxious? Nightmares are common and can be caused by various factors such as stress and anxiety. However, when these nightmares become frequent and disrupt your sleep, it may indicate a more serious condition known as nightmare disorder.
Nightmare disorder is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent and disturbing nightmares that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. It affects approximately 2-8% of the adult population.
The main symptom of nightmare disorder is the frequent occurrence of vivid, disturbing dreams that cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. These nightmares tend to occur during the second half of the night and can be so intense that they wake the person up.
Other symptoms of nightmare disorder may include:
The exact cause of nightmare disorder is not well-understood. However, several factors may contribute to its development, including:
If you are experiencing frequent and distressing nightmares, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Treatment options for nightmare disorder may include:
With proper diagnosis and treatment, nightmare disorder can be effectively managed, allowing for improved sleep and a better quality of life.