When Disturbing Dreams Affect Quality of Life: Mental Health Nightmare Disorder and Treatment

Contrary to what you might believe, negative dreams are more common than the sweet ones wished upon us before slumber, yet most of us don’t remember a large portion of our bad dreams because we sleep through them. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping and a good night’s sleep, as we all know, is necessary for healthy brain function and mental and physical wellbeing. Lack of sleep is linked to heart disease, weight gain, inflammation, and depression, as well as triggering or worsening anxiety. About 4 to 6 percent of Americans suffer from nightmare disorder, also known as dream anxiety disorder, a sleep condition characterized by frequent nightmares. How frequent? At least once a week, according to Michael Nadorff, PhD, whose research focuses on sleep difficulties, particularly nightmares, and their association with suicidal behavior. The disorder is defined by extended, recurring, vivid dreams that awaken the person and cause great distress, emotional dysregulation and daytime i...