Nightmare Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

2024-04-16 03:03:00

Nightmare Disorder

Data published in the journal J of clinical sleep in 2018 included more than 100 studies reporting the incidence of abnormal nightmares (Nightmare Disorder).

  • Nightmares are more common in females than males.
  • Nightmares occur with a high frequency during adolescence and early adulthood, with an average percentage of 1.5-1.
  • while the age Cultural characteristics found no differences in the content of dream characteristics.
  • About 50 percent of nightmares occur in childhood, and more than 20 percent of them increase in frequency in adulthood.
  • 85 percent experience nightmares from time to time And abnormal nightmares occur in adults at least once a year. And approximately 2-6 percent have unusual nightmares every week.
  • Nightmares occur when the body experiences stress. This disorder occurs when the person is exposed to an event that causes severe fear.
  • People who have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders such as depression, personality disorders People who receive certain types of drugs that stimulate the body to secrete substances. norepinephrin, serotonin, dopamine, etc. These chemicals are all related to psychiatric diseases.

Causes of nightmares and abnormal nightmares

Have you ever been toDream of falling from a height, dream of seeing a snake, dream of seeing a dead person. The possibility of nightmares is a normal thing that can happen to everyone. But if you often have nightmares Or have nightmares every night until you wake up? Causing you to not get enough sleep may be due to reasons related to health problems. Most of the time, the causes of nightmares and abnormal nightmares come from

  • Coping with anxiety or stress More than 60% of cases have been found to lead to nightmares.
  • Illness problems Loss of a loved one
  • Adverse reactions or side effects of medications such as sleeping pills Drinking too much alcohol sudden alcohol withdrawal Smoking and sudden withdrawal, etc.
  • Breathing disorders during sleep (sleep apnea) sleep disorders (acute, sleep apnea)
  • Eating before going to bed Especially various types of food that are difficult to digest, meat, etc.

When bad dreams (not) become good

Nightmares can be a sign of health problems, including:

  • Anxiety disorder People who suffer from anxiety disorders often experience recurring dreams. Dreams are long and detailed. The story may be of the same events or may change according to current events.
  • depression People suffering from depression often dream of dark, frightening places or of dead people. May not be able to piece together the story. and may dream of seeing many things Story on the same night
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Often dreams about bad events that have been experienced. Often it is repeated and has the same ending. Sometimes only part of the picture can be seen.
  • bipolar disorder They are often vivid, detailed, memorable dreams that can be pieced together into a long story. May be related to the movie or the dramas you watch

Therefore, if answering the question “Nightmares will become good” or “Nightmares will become a health threat”? The answer is that nightmares can happen to everyone, both children and adults, so it’s not something to worry about. But nightmares are not a good thing if they occur frequently and repeatedly to the point of affecting sleep. The main cause besides breathing abnormalities during sleep. Still from stress Anxiety and mental abnormalities that recommend consulting a doctor

8 tips for a good night’s sleep from the National Sleep Foundation

1. Set bedtime Go to bed at a specific time each night and get up at the same time every morning. Disruptions to this schedule can lead to insomnia. Sleeping in on the weekend makes waking up early on Monday morning more difficult because the body automatically resets its sleep cycle to wake up early.

2. Exercise Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day. Daily exercise often helps people sleep. Although some research studies report that Exercising before bed can have negative effects. For maximum benefit, exercise about five to six hours before bed. and secondarily at least 3 hours before going to bed. These are considered to be the time periods that effectively disturb sleep accordingly.

3. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. Sources of caffeine include coffee, chocolate, diet pills, soft drinks, herbal teas, and pain relievers, among others.

4. Relax before bed. Taking a warm bath, reading a book, or other relaxation routine It will make it easier to sleep.

5. Get sunlight Sunlight helps the body’s internal clock reset itself every day. Sleep experts recommend one hour of sunlight exposure for people who have trouble falling asleep.

6. Do not lie in bed while you are asleep or awake. If you can’t sleep, don’t lie in bed. Do something else, like read a book or listen to music, until you feel tired. The anxiety of not being able to fall asleep can actually lead to insomnia.

7. Control room temperature Maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom. Extreme heat or cold can disrupt or prevent sleep.

8. See a doctor If sleep problems interfere with normal daily life and has an effect on occupations Because most sleep problems can be treated effectively.

1713308727
#Nightmare #omen #warning #sign #health #problems

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.