Nightmares are unpleasant dreams that trigger strong negative emotional responses from the mind,typically fear,and/or horror,but also despair,anxiety and great sadness.Sufferers usually awaken in a state of distres and may be unable to return to sllep for a prolong period of time.Nightmares vary in their themes as they occur during Rapid Eye Movement sleep,typically in the later part of the night.They occur at all developmental stages.
Nightmares are caused by physical factors like sleeping in an awkward position,having a fever or psychological factors like stress and anxiety.Eating before going to sleep which triggers an increase in body metabolism and brain activity,is a potential stimulus for nightmares.Other causes are accidents,violent assault,alcohol abuse,natural disasters,going off antidepressants.
TREATMENT.
Being aware of the possible cause of nightmare helps alot in stoping them.
With psychodynamic therapy,clients meet often with a therapist to discuss their nightmares and consider any emotional problem that might be causing them.
Another option is prazosin,a medication for high blood pressure.Studies have shown that nightly doses of the drug are effective against nightmares in people with post traumatic stress disorder.
Imaginery Rehearsal Therapy may put chronic nightmares to rest.It's easy to learn and use and can be mastered in a few hours;once learned,it's only used for a few minutes a day for a matter of days or weeks.You can try it on your own,but people who suffer from PTSD or another psychological condition should attempt the technique only with the help of a doctor or therapist.
Once you figure out what the dream is trying to tell you,the nightmares will probably end.
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