$Unique_ID{BRK00771}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{What Causes Disturbing Nightmares?}
$Subject{sleep nightmares types}
$Volume{E-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Disturbing Nightmares?


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QUESTION:  I occasionally experience a sleep disturbing nightmare, that hits
right in the middle of the night, and is so vivid that I can still remember
many details in the morning.  Can you tell me what causes them, and what I can
do to prevent their recurrence?

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ANSWER:  The study of the causes and cures for nightmares is an interesting
one, and more has become known as research continues.  Many people experience
nightmares on occasion, almost 80 percent of the adult population has had the
fright of the bizarre and vivid stories that can haunt our sleep.  The
occasional nightmare is usually associated with increased stress in an
individual's life, and may be a normal response to the situation.  However
chronic nightmares, defined as at least 2 nightmares a week for more than six
months, require careful consideration and diagnosis.  Nightmares can be
classified into three categories, nightmare syndrome, night terrors, and
post-traumatic stress disorder.  The diagnosis depends in part, upon which
sleep stage is occurring when the nightmare strikes.  These dreams may take
place during sleep onset (stage 2), delta wave sleep (stages 3 and 4) and
rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.  The different classifications each require a
different mode of treatment.  There are some general rules and tips which may
help you prevent your occasional experiences.  Try to maintain a regular sleep
schedule, retiring and waking at the same hour each day.  Avoid caffeine,
alcohol or cigarettes once your evening meal is over.  Try to keep regular
evening meals light, and take a small snack and milk before retiring.  Instead
of a nap in the early evening hours before really "going to bed", try a period
of exercise, an energetic walk would do nicely.  Avoid stressful mental
activity before bedtime, that includes using television in the bedroom as a
"sleeping aid".  Check with your physician about any medications you may be
taking, as certain types of prescription drugs, beta-blockers, tricyclic and
other antidepressants, reserpine and other blood pressure medications may
cause nightmares.  Withdrawal from barbiturates, benzodiazepines as well as
alcohol can also provoke a haunting dream.  Last but not least, don't force
yourself to go to sleep, it doesn't help.  Instead, if sleep won't come, get
out of bed and read for a while, until you feel tired.  Following these tips
should reduce your nightmares to the 2 or 3 occasions each year that most
people experience.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
