Recurring Nightmares

Nightmares are dreams that contain powerful and primal emotions. Most commonly these emotions are terror, anxiety and distress. In many cases, nightmares involve the person who is asleep being hunted down or facing a disaster. For an unfortunate few, these nightmares can become so frequent and repetitive, they are known as recurring nightmares. Other widely used terms to describe this affliction are “nightmare disorder” or “dream anxiety disorder.”

The most current data available states that while nightmares are commonplace to people among all age groups and demographics, children and young adults seem to experience nightmares more often than adults. Oftentimes, these nightmares are short lived and have particular details within them which are not repeated in their next dream or nightmare. However, approximately 3% of people under the age of 18 suffer from recurring nightmares and 1% of all adults do as well.

Many experts speculate that people with dream disorder have an underlying emotional trauma or problem that is not being addressed in their daily life. If the topic is ignored, the recurring dreams are more likely to continue. Although recurring nightmares are not “real” in the sense that they are a true threat to existence, they are not to be taken lightly or dismissed as begin irrelevant. A thorough and extensive examination of their underlying issues is required in order for them to sleep more peacefully.

Other methods of eliminating recurring dreams can include self-help. Yoga and meditation are effective ways of centering the mind and relaxing the spirit. While children may not be receptive to, or capable of meditation, yoga can be a fun and relaxing way for them to unwind and further get in touch with their inner selves.

Keeping a dream journal can also be a positive way to combat these awful nightmares. For some people with dream anxiety, a detailed log of any similarities or differences in their dreams can reveal the root cause of the nightmare. For example, people who have post-traumatic stress disorder can use this journaling method to pinpoint a particular emotion or event which triggers this response.

If self-help doesn’t seem to work, speaking about these recurring nightmares with a professional is advised. An outside perspective can be both refreshing and enlightening for these individuals. Through counseling techniques, a dream expert may even be able to guide them to a recurring-nightmare-free future.

If left untreated, these recurring nightmares can become a huge problem in people’s lives. It is as if sleeping becomes a traumatic experience to them, in and of itself. People may even develop a fear of sleeping and become insomniacs in an effort to avoid having their recurring nightmare. Many sufferers report being left mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted by their nightmare. The residual effects of the nightmares can impact relationships, learning, work and other social activities.

Learning to take control of your recurring nightmares is empowering. Acknowledging the source of the dreams and getting treatment from yourself or from others can eliminate your fear of sleeping and improve your waking life.