Slumbered Sleep

4.3 NIGHTMARES.
As mentioned with sleep paralysis, nightmares
are a frightening encounter for any dreamer and
can for some become a sleep disorder. During
nocturnal episodes known as nightmares, the
dreamer is violently and suddenly woken from
sleep. Usually, when a dreamer awakens from
REM sleep, they can recount a vivid, associative,
and frequently odd dream story. Typically,
the person has trouble falling asleep again.
There are also many nightmares. A general
population - based study of 1,049 insomniacs
found that 18.3% of them experienced nightmares.
Most REM-altering illnesses and drugs
have an impact on dreaming, and the most
frightful dreams happen during REM sleep. Numerous
REM-related sleep disturbances can
change dreams. (Pagel, 2000)
In individuals with psychiatric disease, nightmares
can happen. Negative self-image themes
have been linked to depression in the past.
During a recurrence of the condition, people
with dissociative disorders and schizophrenia
may experience vivid dreams. Patients with
panic disorders, depression, as well as those
with asthma and sleep breathing problems, can
experience panic episodes during REM sleep.
Unsettling nightmares may be a symptom of
the REM sleep rebound caused by substances
such as alcohol which continuously reduce
REM sleep. (Pagel, 2000)
According to surveys, between 2% and 8%
of adults struggle from nightmares. Children
tend to experience nightmares more
frequently than adults. Children's nightmares
are most common between the
ages of 3 and 6, and they tend to happen
less frequently as they age. But occasionally,
nightmares last far into childhood and
adulthood. Stress and worry, mental health
issues, certain substances and treatments,
withdrawals from certain medication, and
lack of sleep are all potential causes of
nightmares. (Suni, 2022)
Figure 61
Figure 62
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