Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych
Epidemiologia

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych (ang. nightmare disorder) to parasomnia fazy REM charakteryzująca się powtarzającymi się, intensywnymi snami o negatywnej treści, prowadzącymi do wybudzeń i istotnego dystresu lub upośledzenia funkcjonowania. Częstość występowania w populacji dorosłych wynosi około 4-8%, z wyższą częstością wśród pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi (38,9%) oraz w specyficznych grupach, takich jak personel wojskowy czy dzieci w strefach konfliktu. Wiek i płeć wpływają na epidemiologię: szczyt zapadalności przypada na dzieci w wieku 7-9 lat oraz młodych dorosłych, z przewagą występowania u kobiet w okresie dojrzewania i wczesnej dorosłości (proporcja 1,5:1). Zaburzenie współwystępuje często z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi (PTSD, zaburzenia nastroju, lękowe), zaburzeniami snu (bezsenność, bezdech senny, zespół niespokojnych nóg) oraz chorobami somatycznymi, w tym chorobą Parkinsona i nowotworami. Koszmary senne są silnie powiązane z ryzykiem samobójczym oraz znaczącym pogorszeniem jakości życia i funkcjonowania poznawczego.

Epidemiologia zaburzenia koszmarów sennych – wprowadzenie

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych (ang. nightmare disorder) to stan kliniczny charakteryzujący się powtarzającymi się, intensywnymi i wyraźnie zapamiętanymi snami o negatywnej treści, które prowadzą do wybudzenia i powodują znaczny dystres lub upośledzenie funkcjonowania. Jest to jednostka klasyfikowana jako parasomnia związana z fazą REM snu, która dotyka zarówno dzieci, jak i dorosłych12. Mimo że okazjonalne koszmary są powszechnym doświadczeniem, to ich częste występowanie prowadzące do zaburzenia koszmarów sennych stanowi problem kliniczny wymagający interwencji medycznej3.

Rozpowszechnienie zaburzenia koszmarów sennych w populacji ogólnej

Częstość występowania zaburzenia koszmarów sennych jest trudna do precyzyjnego określenia ze względu na różnice w terminologii i kryteriach diagnostycznych stosowanych w badaniach4. Szacuje się jednak, że:

  • Około 4-8% populacji ogólnej dorosłych cierpi na zaburzenie koszmarów sennych56
  • Około 85% dorosłych zgłasza doświadczenie przynajmniej jednego koszmaru sennego w ciągu roku7
  • 2-6% dorosłych raportuje częste (cotygodniowe) koszmary senne89
  • Duże populacyjne badanie przeprowadzone wśród osób powyżej 50. roku życia w Korei wykazało 2,7% częstość występowania ciężkich koszmarów sennych z wybudzeniami10

Badanie Li i wsp. wykazało, że częstość występowania częstych koszmarów sennych (definiowanych jako co najmniej jeden koszmar tygodniowo) wynosi 5,1% w populacji ogólnej11. Natomiast w badaniu niemieckim, przy zastosowaniu wyraźnego kryterium wybudzenia, częstość ta wynosiła 2,4%12.

Różnice wiekowe w występowaniu zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Częstość występowania koszmarów sennych zmienia się znacząco w różnych grupach wiekowych13:

  • U dzieci w wieku 3-6 lat, 10-50% doświadcza koszmarów sennych, które zakłócają ich sen lub sen rodziców1415
  • Koszmary senne pojawiają się po raz pierwszy jako problem zgłaszany przez rodziców u dzieci w wieku 24-36 miesięcy, jednak typowy początek przypada na wiek 3-6 lat16
  • Szczytowa zapadalność występuje u dzieci w wieku 7-9 lat17
  • Spadek częstości obserwuje się między 10. a 12. rokiem życia18
  • Około 1% dzieci spełnia kryteria zaburzenia koszmarów sennych19
  • Występowanie koszmarów i innych parasomnii zmniejsza się w wieku szkolnym i w okresie dojrzewania, prawdopodobnie z powodu postępującego dojrzewania neurologicznego i zmniejszenia lęku separacyjnego20

U dorosłych, częstość zaburzenia koszmarów sennych zmienia się z wiekiem21:

  • Częstość koszmarów wzrasta od wieku 10-19 lat do 20-39 lat, a następnie maleje w przedziale wiekowym 50-59 lat22
  • Osoby starsze mają o 20-50% mniejsze prawdopodobieństwo doświadczania koszmarów niż osoby młode23
  • Badanie populacyjne w Korei wykazało ponad trzykrotny wzrost częstości występowania koszmarów u dorosłych powyżej 70. roku życia (6,3%) w porównaniu z dorosłymi między 50. a 70. rokiem życia (1,8%)24

Różnice płciowe w występowaniu zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych wykazuje istotne różnice w częstości występowania w zależności od płci25:

  • Systematyczny przegląd ponad 100 badań wykazał, że koszmary senne są częściej zgłaszane przez kobiety niż mężczyzn w okresie dojrzewania i wczesnej dorosłości (proporcja około 1,5 do 1)2627
  • Częstość występowania częstych koszmarów sennych była wyższa wśród kobiet niż wśród mężczyzn (6,2% vs 3,8%, P 0,001)28
  • U młodszych dzieci nie występuje różnica w częstości koszmarów między płciami29
  • W jednym z badań u dzieci w wieku 13-16 lat więcej dziewcząt niż chłopców zgłaszało koszmary senne30
  • Wśród młodzieży i młodych dorosłych, kobiety zgłaszają koszmary częściej niż mężczyźni31
  • U dorosłych w wieku 60 lat i starszych nie występuje różnica w częstości koszmarów między płciami3233

Zgodnie z niektórymi badaniami, kobiety do mężczyzn w proporcji 2:1 są dotknięte zaburzeniem koszmarów sennych34. Treść i charakter koszmarów również różnią się w zależności od płci – u kobiet dominują tematy związane z konfliktami międzyludzkimi, takimi jak molestowanie seksualne lub ataki na rodzinę i bliskich, natomiast u mężczyzn koszmary częściej dotyczą wojny lub terroryzmu35.

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych a choroby współistniejące

Współistnienie z zaburzeniami psychicznymi

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych często współwystępuje z innymi zaburzeniami psychicznymi36. Badania wykazały następujące zależności:

  • U pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi częstość występowania zaburzenia koszmarów sennych wynosi średnio 38,9%37
  • Ryzyko wystąpienia zaburzenia psychicznego było 5,74 razy większe u osób z częstymi koszmarami sennymi (95% przedział ufności 2,03-16,26), szczególnie zaburzeń nastroju (iloraz szans = 15,57, 95% przedział ufności 3,77-64,37)38
  • Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych występuje u:39
  • U pacjentów z PTSD częstość występowania koszmarów sennych może sięgać 80-90%4041
  • Osoby z zaburzeniami lękowymi (lęk społeczny lub uogólnione zaburzenie lękowe) doświadczają zaburzenia koszmarów sennych około trzy razy częściej niż populacja ogólna42
  • W badaniu obejmującym 498 osób z umiarkowanymi do ciężkich chorobami psychicznymi, 70% doświadczało nawracających koszmarów sennych43

U pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi, koszmary senne są zgłaszane jako częste (kilka nocy w tygodniu) i często powodują wielokrotne wybudzenia oraz trudności z ponownym zaśnięciem44. Badanie przeprowadzone w placówkach psychiatrii drugiego stopnia referencyjności wykazało, że około 30% pacjentów spełniało kryteria zaburzenia koszmarów sennych według ścisłych kryteriów DSM-IV-TR, jednak żaden z tych pacjentów nie miał diagnozy zaburzenia koszmarów sennych w dokumentacji medycznej45.

Współistnienie z zaburzeniami snu

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych często współwystępuje z innymi zaburzeniami snu46:

  • Koszmary senne są powiązane z problemami z bezsennością, jak wykazały badania Li i wsp.47
  • W badaniu populacji ogólnej obejmującym 1049 osób z bezsennością, 18,3% zgłaszało koszmary senne48
  • U osób z zaburzeniem koszmarów sennych często występują inne zaburzenia snu, takie jak bezdech senny i zespół niespokojnych nóg49
  • 24% studentów cierpiących na koszmary co najmniej raz w tygodniu zgłaszało trudności z zasypianiem trzy razy w tygodniu, podczas gdy wśród studentów bez koszmarów problemy z zasypianiem dotyczyły tylko 12,0% przypadków50

Badania epidemiologiczne i kliniczne wykazały związek między koszmarami sennymi a bezsennością, depresją, lękiem oraz używaniem alkoholu51. W szczególności, badania sugerują, że bezsenność może być potencjalnym czynnikiem ryzyka zwiększenia częstości koszmarów sennych52.

Współistnienie z chorobami somatycznymi

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych może współwystępować z licznymi schorzeniami somatycznymi oraz być związane z określonymi procedurami medycznymi5354:

  • Choroby serca
  • Nowotwory
  • Choroba Parkinsona
  • Zespoły bólowe
  • Procedury takie jak hemodializa
  • Odstawienie leków lub substancji psychoaktywnych

Najnowsze badania wykazały, że częste koszmary senne mogą poprzedzać rozwój chorób neurodegeneracyjnych, takich jak choroba Parkinsona i demencja55.

Czynniki ryzyka i etiologia zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych wiąże się z szeregiem czynników ryzyka i przyczyn56:

Czynniki socjodemograficzne

  • Niższy status społeczno-ekonomiczny (np. niski dochód rodziny) stanowi czynnik ryzyka częstych koszmarów sennych57
  • Koszmary senne są częstsze, gdy członkowie rodziny mają historię koszmarów lub innych parasomnii, takich jak mówienie przez sen58

Stres i wydarzenia traumatyczne

  • Koszmary senne są częstsze w okresach stresu59
  • Strach i lęk związany z pandemią COVID-19 doprowadziły do zwiększenia zakłóceń snu i objawów zaburzeń nastroju, w tym koszmarów sennych i niechcianych snów6061
  • Koszmary senne często pojawiają się po ekspozycji na wydarzenie traumatyczne; najczęściej były rozpatrywane w kontekście PTSD i są jednym z głównych objawów klinicznych tego zaburzenia62

Czynniki psychologiczne

  • Wyższe poziomy zmartwień, doświadczenia halucynacyjne i dłuższy czas snu były istotnie związane z tym, czy uczestnicy doświadczali koszmarów sennych, nawet po kontrolowaniu negatywnego afektu, PTSD i stresujących wydarzeń życiowych63
  • Zmartwienie, depersonalizacja, paranoja i doświadczenia halucynacyjne były istotnie związane z nasileniem koszmarów sennych64
  • Osoby z wysokim obciążeniem aferentnym i dystresem aferentnym są bardziej narażone na zaburzenia wygaszania strachu, a osoby z zaburzonym wygaszaniem strachu są bardziej narażone na koszmary stanowiące problem kliniczny, taki jak zaburzenie koszmarów sennych65

Czynniki neurobiologiczne

Chociaż dokładna neurobiologia zaburzenia koszmarów sennych nie jest w pełni poznana, badania sugerują udział następujących mechanizmów6667:

  • Zaburzenia w układach neuroprzekaźnikowych, w szczególności noradrenaliny, serotoniny i dopaminy
  • Zwiększona aktywność w sieciach neuronalnych związanych z emocjami, w tym w ciele migdałowatym, hipokampie, przyśrodkowej korze przedczołowej i przedniej części kory zakrętu obręczy
  • Najnowsze badania sugerują, że zaburzenie koszmarów sennych może być związane z nadmiernym pobudzeniem (hiperarousabilnością), które narasta w ciągu dnia i utrzymuje się przez całą noc68
  • Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych może być również związane ze wspomnieniami opartymi na strachu, które są uśpione w godzinach czuwania i zostają pobudzone podczas snu69

Czynniki farmakologiczne

Użycie niektórych leków może przyczyniać się do wystąpienia lub nasilenia koszmarów sennych7071:

  • Amfetaminy
  • Leki przeciwdepresyjne
  • Leki przeciwparkinsonowskie
  • Beta-blokery
  • Leki nasenne i uspokajające
  • Suplementy snu, takie jak melatonina
  • Narkotyki i barbiturany

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych w populacjach specjalnych

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych u studentów

Badania nad koszmarami sennymi wśród studentów wykazały zwiększoną częstość występowania w porównaniu z populacją ogólną72:

  • W dwutygodniowym prospektywnym badaniu wśród studentów college’u, 47% opisało doświadczenie co najmniej jednego koszmaru sennego73
  • Ponad 24,3% ankietowanych studentów cierpiało na koszmary senne, 18,5% zgłaszało koszmary częściej niż raz w tygodniu, a 5,8% cierpiało na koszmary co najmniej 3 razy w tygodniu74
  • Według American Academy of Family Physicians, 47% ankietowanych studentów studiów licencjackich miało koszmar senny w ciągu ostatnich dwóch tygodni75
  • Badanie porównujące częstość występowania koszmarów sennych u osób starszych i studentów wykazało, że koszmary występują u około 20% studentów i niewiele ponad 4% starszych dorosłych, co stanowi bardzo dużą różnicę76

Konsekwencje koszmarów sennych u studentów to m.in. pogorszona jakość snu, częstsze problemy z zasypianiem i potencjalny wpływ na wyniki akademickie77.

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych u personelu wojskowego

Personel wojskowy doświadcza wysokiego poziomu traumatycznych przeżyć, co może przyczyniać się do rozwoju zaburzenia koszmarów sennych78:

  • W latach 2016-2019 wskaźniki zapadalności na zaburzenie koszmarów sennych (na 10 000 żołnierzy) w Departamencie Obrony USA wahały się od 11,3 w 2016 r. do 6,9 w 2018 r.79
  • Żołnierze sklasyfikowani jako nie-biali, kobiety, powyżej 35 roku życia, żonaci, służący w Armii i/lub będący podoficerami, byli diagnozowani częściej w stosunku do ich reprezentacji w populacji wojskowej80
  • Wysoka częstość występowania koszmarów sennych została stwierdzona wśród personelu wojskowego z zaburzeniami snu, a osoby z doświadczeniem wojennym zgłaszają więcej koszmarów niż populacja ogólna81

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych u dzieci w strefach konfliktu

Dzieci żyjące w strefach konfliktu są szczególnie narażone na rozwój zaburzenia koszmarów sennych82:

  • Wśród 300 uczniów (10-12 lat) mieszkających w strefie trwającego konfliktu w Strefie Gazy, koszmary były często wymieniane, przy czym 56% zgłaszało nawracające koszmary ze średnią częstotliwością 4,20 nocy w ostatnim tygodniu (SD = 1,94) i średnim czasem trwania 2,48 lat (SD = 2,01)83
  • Duża próba 1093 uczniów (6-17 lat), którzy szukali pomocy z powodu koszmarów i zaburzeń snu, zgłaszała nawracające traumatyczne koszmary średnio 4,57 nocy w tygodniu, ze średnim czasem trwania 2,82 lat84
  • Ich samoocena funkcjonowania akademickiego była negatywnie związana z tym, czy doświadczali koszmarów sennych, ale nie była związana z częstotliwością ani intensywnością koszmarów85

Implikacje kliniczne i konsekwencje zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Wpływ na funkcjonowanie

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych może mieć znaczący wpływ na codzienne funkcjonowanie86:

  • Może powodować nadmierną senność w ciągu dnia, która może prowadzić do trudności w szkole lub pracy, lub problemów z codziennymi zadaniami, takimi jak prowadzenie samochodu i koncentracja87
  • Może zakłócać sen, powodować zmęczenie w ciągu dnia, trudności z koncentracją i upośledzenie funkcji poznawczych88
  • Dystres emocjonalny powodowany przez koszmary może przyczyniać się do lęku, depresji i drażliwości89
  • Przewlekły niedobór snu i stres związany z zaburzeniem koszmarów sennych mogą osłabiać układ odpornościowy, czyniąc osoby bardziej podatnymi na choroby90

Związek z samobójstwami

Szczególnie istotnym aspektem zaburzenia koszmarów sennych jest jego związek z ryzykiem samobójczym91:

  • Istnieje silna korelacja między koszmarami sennymi a ryzykiem samobójczym92
  • Osoby z częstymi koszmarami sennymi są bardziej narażone na próby samobójcze i zachowania samookaleczające93
  • W przeglądzie różnych badań, związek między ideacjami samobójczymi a zaburzeniem koszmarów sennych jest wyraźnie widoczny94
  • Badanie populacyjne w Korei wykazało związek między koszmarami a ideacjami samobójczymi, depresją i stresem95

Ze względu na potencjalny wpływ koszmarów sennych na jakość życia, ważne jest konsultowanie się z lekarzem w przypadku ich regularnego występowania96.

Monitorowanie i nadzór epidemiologiczny zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Pomimo istotnego wpływu zaburzenia koszmarów sennych na funkcjonowanie i zdrowie psychiczne, jego monitorowanie epidemiologiczne stwarza pewne wyzwania97:

  • Wiarygodne oszacowania populacyjne częstości występowania koszmarów sennych są trudne do uzyskania i często ograniczone do sztywnych punktów czasowych (np. raz w roku)98
  • Istnieje potrzeba niedrogich metod śledzenia populacyjnych poziomów częstości występowania koszmarów sennych i ich dynamicznych zmian w czasie99
  • Nowe podejścia do monitorowania koszmarów sennych, takie jak analiza treści udostępnianych w mediach społecznościowych, mogą oferować dziedzinie medycyny snu tanią i działającą w czasie rzeczywistym metodę monitorowania zdrowia snu populacji100

Badanie epidemiologiczne zaburzeń parasomnii, w tym zaburzenia koszmarów sennych, pozostaje ograniczone, częściowo z powodu ich amnestycznego charakteru i założenia, że są one łagodnymi problemami wieku dziecięcego101. Badania wykorzystujące dane z administracyjnych roszczeń zdrowotnych dostarczają niższych szacunków w porównaniu z badaniami opartymi na kwestionariuszach, chociaż trendy dotyczące wieku i płci są zgodne z aktualnym stanem wiedzy102.

Niedodiagnozowanie i niedoleczenie zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Mimo znacznego wpływu na jakość życia, zaburzenie koszmarów sennych jest często niedodiagnozowane i niedoleczone103:

  • Krakow wskazał, że do 16% pacjentów klinik snu zgłasza istotne klinicznie stany związane z koszmarami sennymi i często nie otrzymuje skutecznego leczenia104
  • W badaniu reprezentatywnym, tylko 3,03% uczestników z koszmarami lub złymi snami (N = 1022) zgłosiło, że szukało profesjonalnej pomocy w radzeniu sobie z koszmarami105
  • Około co ósma osoba z koszmarami (granica: co drugi tydzień lub częściej) szukała w pewnym momencie swojego życia profesjonalnej pomocy w radzeniu sobie z koszmarami; twierdzenie, że koszmary są niedoleczone, jest poparte tymi danymi106

Mimo że związki między koszmarami sennymi a ich współchorobowością są słabo rozumiane107, ogólne znaczenie kliniczne koszmarów sennych zostało prawdopodobnie niedoszacowane pomimo ich znanego epidemiologicznego związku z dużą liczbą zaburzeń snu, zaburzeń psychicznych, a nawet samobójstwami108.

Podsumowanie epidemiologii zaburzenia koszmarów sennych

Zaburzenie koszmarów sennych stanowi istotny problem kliniczny dotykający około 4-8% populacji dorosłych, ze szczególnie wysoką częstością występowania w określonych grupach, takich jak pacjenci z zaburzeniami psychicznymi, personel wojskowy i dzieci w strefach konfliktu109110. Częstość występowania zmienia się z wiekiem, osiągając szczyt w dzieciństwie i wczesnej dorosłości, a następnie zmniejszając się w starszym wieku, z istotnymi różnicami między płciami w okresie dojrzewania i wczesnej dorosłości111112.

Zaburzenie to często współwystępuje z innymi schorzeniami, szczególnie zaburzeniami psychicznymi, zaburzeniami snu i niektórymi chorobami somatycznymi113114. Mimo znaczącego wpływu na funkcjonowanie i jakość życia, zaburzenie koszmarów sennych pozostaje niedodiagnozowane i niedoleczone115.

Biorąc pod uwagę istotne korelacje z cechami psychiatrycznymi i psychologicznymi, niezbędne jest zwiększenie świadomości na temat wpływu koszmarów sennych na zdrowie i choroby oraz systematyczne zbieranie informacji o koszmarach sennych, szczególnie z próbek klinicznych i większych kohort116.

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults
    https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Nightmare disorder affects between 2% and 6% of adults. It is more common in younger adults than in older adults. More women than men have nightmare disorder during young adulthood, but there is no difference in those aged 60 years and older. […] PTSD patients—up to 80% of whom experience nightmares—have been studied the most regarding nightmares.
  • #2 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #3 Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatment Options for Nightmare Disorder
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/nightmare-disorder/nightmare-disorder-statistics/
    Nightmare disorder statistics reveal the prevalence, risk factors and treatment options available for this mental health condition. […] While nearly everyone is likely to experience a nightmare at some point in their life, nightmare disorder statistics show this condition is much rarer than the commonly experienced nightmares. […] As many as 5% of young adults and 2% of older adults report nightmares on most nights. […] Differences in the frequency of nightmares in women vs. men show that women are more likely to have nightmares than men. […] Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of nightmare disorder include: Poor Sleep Habits, Substance Use and Medications, Thinking Style, and Dissociation. […] Nightmare disorder and substance abuse may co-occur due to the effects of substance use on sleep. […] When nightmare disorder is not caused by another condition, treatment often consists of cognitive behavioral therapy. […] Nightmare disorder prognosis can be improved by increasing daytime activity, especially exercise.
  • #4 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. […] Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. […] A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings.
  • #5 Nightmare Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24464-nightmare-disorder
    Nightmare disorder occurs in people who have social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder at approximately three times the rate of the general population. It affects 50% to 90% of people with PTSD. […] Approximately 2% to 8% of the general U.S. population has nightmare disorder. […] The prognosis (outlook) for nightmare disorder varies. For some people, nightmare disorder may resolve on its own. For others, the condition can persist for decades if its untreated.
  • #6 Nightmare Disorder: What Causes It and How Do You Manage It?
    https://www.healthline.com/health/nightmare-disorder
    Its estimated that 4% of adults live with nightmare disorder. […] Nightmare disorder is a sleep-wake disorder, but its also considered a mental health condition because it can cause significant psychological distress and impairment. […] Nightmare disorder is a type of parasomnia, a sleep-wake disorder featuring unusual behaviors or perceptions that interrupt sleep. Intense, extended, and vivid nightmares that cause major distress or impairment are the hallmark features of this condition.
  • #7 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #8 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. […] Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. […] A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings.
  • #9 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults
    https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Nightmare disorder affects between 2% and 6% of adults. It is more common in younger adults than in older adults. More women than men have nightmare disorder during young adulthood, but there is no difference in those aged 60 years and older. […] PTSD patients—up to 80% of whom experience nightmares—have been studied the most regarding nightmares.
  • #10 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    Nightmares are common beginning early in childhood and extending throughout the lifespan. The condition is strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and trauma. […] The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. […] Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. […] A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings.
  • #11 Prevalence and Correlates of Frequent Nightmares: A Community-Based 2-Phase Study
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2880244/
    The prevalence of frequent nightmares, as defined by at least once per week, was 5.1%. […] The risk of having a psychiatric disorder was 5.74 times greater for subjects with frequent nightmares (95% confidence interval 2.03-16.26), especially mood disorders (odds ratio = 15.57, 95% confidence interval 3.77-64.37). […] Frequent nightmares were not uncommon in the general population and were associated with a constellation of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid sleep and psychiatric disorders. […] The prevalence of frequent nightmares was higher among women than among men (6.2% vs 3.8%, P 0.001). […] Lower socioeconomic status (e.g., low family income) was a risk factor for frequent nightmares. […] Frequent nightmares were significantly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders. […] Frequent nightmares can be independently related to neuroticism personality trait irrespective of psychiatric disorders.
  • #12 Nightmares: An Under-Diagnosed and Undertreated Condition?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2881708/
    THREE ASPECTS OF THE ARTICLE OF LI ET AL.1 IN THIS ISSUE OF SLEEP ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO CLINICIANS AND RESEARCHERS ALIKE: (1) the prevalence of nightmares in the general population, (2) the correlation between nightmares and other sleep complaints, and (3) possible factors underlying nightmare etiology. Li et al.1 found a prevalence of 5.1% of persons reporting frequent nightmares (defined as at least one nightmare per week). […] A smaller prevalence of frequent nightmares (2.4%), for example, was reported by Schredl2 for a representative German sample using an explicitly given awakening criterion. […] Li et al.,1 however, clearly demonstrated that nightmares are correlated with insomnia complaints. […] The high correlations between nightmare frequency and sleep-related daytime consequences reported by Li et al.1 underscore the notion that nightmares might have a strong effect on the well-being of the patient8 and should be treated.
  • #13 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    Nightmares are common, with three quarters of children experiencing a nightmare at least once. […] Prevalence varies because of different diagnostic criteria and different study populations. Nightmares have been noted to occur in 21-11% of young children always and often and in 15-31% now and then. […] Some studies estimate as many as 50% of children aged 3-6 years have nightmares that disturb both their and the parents’ sleep. […] Approximately one third of adults with recurrent nightmares have onset of symptoms in childhood. […] Nightmares occur in all races and cultures, with no reported differences in prevalence. […] Young children exhibit no sex differences in nightmare prevalence. However, in one study of children aged 13-16 years, more girls than boys reported nightmares. […] Among adolescents and young adults, women report nightmares more frequently than men.
  • #14 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmares are common, particularly in children. […] 10-50% of those aged 3-6 years are estimated to suffer from nightmares that disturb their sleep, or that of their parents. […] A literature review reports that up to 85% of adults report at least one nightmare within the previous year, 8-29% report monthly nightmares and 2-6% report weekly nightmares. […] Older people were 20-50% less likely to have nightmares than young people. […] In children, the prognosis is very good. The symptoms should resolve as time passes and after reassurance of the child and parents that this is a relatively normal experience for some young children. If the symptoms persist beyond the age of 6, consideration should be given to underlying conditions such as anxiety disorders, affective distress or PTSD. […] In adults, untreated nightmare disorder may persist for decades.
  • #15 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
    https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmare disorder can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in children and adolescents. […] The disorder may also be more prevalent among individuals with a history of trauma, stress, or certain mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). […] Additionally, some medications and substance abuse can contribute to the development of nightmare disorder. […] However, nightmare disorder is less prevalent, affecting approximately 2-8% of the adult population and up to 50% of children aged 3-6 years. […] The prevalence of nightmare disorder may be higher among certain groups, such as individuals with PTSD, with rates ranging from 50-90%. […] Diagnosing nightmare disorder often involves a thorough evaluation of a person’s sleep habits, mental health, and overall physical health.
  • #16 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    In one study, nightmares first emerged as a parent-reported sleep problem in children aged 24-36 months, but onset typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years. […] Peak incidence occurs in children aged 7-9 years. […] A decrease in frequency is noted between ages 10 and 12 years. […] The prevalence of nightmares and other parasomnias declines in school age and adolescence, presumably due to progressive neurological maturation and reduction in separation anxiety.
  • #17 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    In one study, nightmares first emerged as a parent-reported sleep problem in children aged 24-36 months, but onset typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years. […] Peak incidence occurs in children aged 7-9 years. […] A decrease in frequency is noted between ages 10 and 12 years. […] The prevalence of nightmares and other parasomnias declines in school age and adolescence, presumably due to progressive neurological maturation and reduction in separation anxiety.
  • #18 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    In one study, nightmares first emerged as a parent-reported sleep problem in children aged 24-36 months, but onset typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years. […] Peak incidence occurs in children aged 7-9 years. […] A decrease in frequency is noted between ages 10 and 12 years. […] The prevalence of nightmares and other parasomnias declines in school age and adolescence, presumably due to progressive neurological maturation and reduction in separation anxiety.
  • #19 Nightmare disorder – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_disorder
    About 26% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 24 : 1. […] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10-19 to 20-39, and then decreases during the ages of 50-59. […] According to studies, children at the age of 6-10 years are 41% more likely to experience nightmares and 22% at the age of 11. […] Children with persistent nightmares range from 10% to 50%. […] However, only 1% of children meet the criteria of a nightmare disorder. […] Some factors tend to predict the development of a disorder from the presence of nightmares during childhood, such as a fear of going to sleep or going back to bed after a nightmare, an irregular sleep life and an avoidance of thinking about the nightmare.
  • #20 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    In one study, nightmares first emerged as a parent-reported sleep problem in children aged 24-36 months, but onset typically occurs between the ages of 3 and 6 years. […] Peak incidence occurs in children aged 7-9 years. […] A decrease in frequency is noted between ages 10 and 12 years. […] The prevalence of nightmares and other parasomnias declines in school age and adolescence, presumably due to progressive neurological maturation and reduction in separation anxiety.
  • #21 Nightmare disorder – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_disorder
    About 26% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 24 : 1. […] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10-19 to 20-39, and then decreases during the ages of 50-59. […] According to studies, children at the age of 6-10 years are 41% more likely to experience nightmares and 22% at the age of 11. […] Children with persistent nightmares range from 10% to 50%. […] However, only 1% of children meet the criteria of a nightmare disorder. […] Some factors tend to predict the development of a disorder from the presence of nightmares during childhood, such as a fear of going to sleep or going back to bed after a nightmare, an irregular sleep life and an avoidance of thinking about the nightmare.
  • #22 Nightmare disorder – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_disorder
    About 26% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 24 : 1. […] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10-19 to 20-39, and then decreases during the ages of 50-59. […] According to studies, children at the age of 6-10 years are 41% more likely to experience nightmares and 22% at the age of 11. […] Children with persistent nightmares range from 10% to 50%. […] However, only 1% of children meet the criteria of a nightmare disorder. […] Some factors tend to predict the development of a disorder from the presence of nightmares during childhood, such as a fear of going to sleep or going back to bed after a nightmare, an irregular sleep life and an avoidance of thinking about the nightmare.
  • #23 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmares are common, particularly in children. […] 10-50% of those aged 3-6 years are estimated to suffer from nightmares that disturb their sleep, or that of their parents. […] A literature review reports that up to 85% of adults report at least one nightmare within the previous year, 8-29% report monthly nightmares and 2-6% report weekly nightmares. […] Older people were 20-50% less likely to have nightmares than young people. […] In children, the prognosis is very good. The symptoms should resolve as time passes and after reassurance of the child and parents that this is a relatively normal experience for some young children. If the symptoms persist beyond the age of 6, consideration should be given to underlying conditions such as anxiety disorders, affective distress or PTSD. […] In adults, untreated nightmare disorder may persist for decades.
  • #24 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #25 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #26 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #27 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #28 Prevalence and Correlates of Frequent Nightmares: A Community-Based 2-Phase Study
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2880244/
    The prevalence of frequent nightmares, as defined by at least once per week, was 5.1%. […] The risk of having a psychiatric disorder was 5.74 times greater for subjects with frequent nightmares (95% confidence interval 2.03-16.26), especially mood disorders (odds ratio = 15.57, 95% confidence interval 3.77-64.37). […] Frequent nightmares were not uncommon in the general population and were associated with a constellation of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid sleep and psychiatric disorders. […] The prevalence of frequent nightmares was higher among women than among men (6.2% vs 3.8%, P 0.001). […] Lower socioeconomic status (e.g., low family income) was a risk factor for frequent nightmares. […] Frequent nightmares were significantly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders. […] Frequent nightmares can be independently related to neuroticism personality trait irrespective of psychiatric disorders.
  • #29 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    Nightmares are common, with three quarters of children experiencing a nightmare at least once. […] Prevalence varies because of different diagnostic criteria and different study populations. Nightmares have been noted to occur in 21-11% of young children always and often and in 15-31% now and then. […] Some studies estimate as many as 50% of children aged 3-6 years have nightmares that disturb both their and the parents’ sleep. […] Approximately one third of adults with recurrent nightmares have onset of symptoms in childhood. […] Nightmares occur in all races and cultures, with no reported differences in prevalence. […] Young children exhibit no sex differences in nightmare prevalence. However, in one study of children aged 13-16 years, more girls than boys reported nightmares. […] Among adolescents and young adults, women report nightmares more frequently than men.
  • #30 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    Nightmares are common, with three quarters of children experiencing a nightmare at least once. […] Prevalence varies because of different diagnostic criteria and different study populations. Nightmares have been noted to occur in 21-11% of young children always and often and in 15-31% now and then. […] Some studies estimate as many as 50% of children aged 3-6 years have nightmares that disturb both their and the parents’ sleep. […] Approximately one third of adults with recurrent nightmares have onset of symptoms in childhood. […] Nightmares occur in all races and cultures, with no reported differences in prevalence. […] Young children exhibit no sex differences in nightmare prevalence. However, in one study of children aged 13-16 years, more girls than boys reported nightmares. […] Among adolescents and young adults, women report nightmares more frequently than men.
  • #31 Nightmare Disorder: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/914428-overview
    Nightmares are common, with three quarters of children experiencing a nightmare at least once. […] Prevalence varies because of different diagnostic criteria and different study populations. Nightmares have been noted to occur in 21-11% of young children always and often and in 15-31% now and then. […] Some studies estimate as many as 50% of children aged 3-6 years have nightmares that disturb both their and the parents’ sleep. […] Approximately one third of adults with recurrent nightmares have onset of symptoms in childhood. […] Nightmares occur in all races and cultures, with no reported differences in prevalence. […] Young children exhibit no sex differences in nightmare prevalence. However, in one study of children aged 13-16 years, more girls than boys reported nightmares. […] Among adolescents and young adults, women report nightmares more frequently than men.
  • #32 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #33 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults
    https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Nightmare disorder affects between 2% and 6% of adults. It is more common in younger adults than in older adults. More women than men have nightmare disorder during young adulthood, but there is no difference in those aged 60 years and older. […] PTSD patients—up to 80% of whom experience nightmares—have been studied the most regarding nightmares.
  • #34 Nightmare disorder – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_disorder
    About 26% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 24 : 1. […] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10-19 to 20-39, and then decreases during the ages of 50-59. […] According to studies, children at the age of 6-10 years are 41% more likely to experience nightmares and 22% at the age of 11. […] Children with persistent nightmares range from 10% to 50%. […] However, only 1% of children meet the criteria of a nightmare disorder. […] Some factors tend to predict the development of a disorder from the presence of nightmares during childhood, such as a fear of going to sleep or going back to bed after a nightmare, an irregular sleep life and an avoidance of thinking about the nightmare.
  • #35 Nightmare | Definition, Causes, Prevention, & Facts | Britannica
    https://www.britannica.com/science/nightmare
    Nightmares are more common in children than in adults. It is estimated that half of children ages 3 to 6 experience nightmares and that about 20 percent of children ages 6 to 12 experience nightmares. About 50 to 85 percent of adults experience nightmares occasionally, while between 1 and 8 percent of adult sleepers experience nightmares frequently enough for the disturbing dreams to be classified as a disorder. Nightmare disorder is marked by frequent nightmares that interfere with daily life and is considered a form of parasomnia (general sleep disorder). It is more likely to develop when family members are also affected by nightmare disorder or other parasomnias. […] In adulthood, however, women are more likely than men to report nightmares. In general, womens reports about nightmares tend to center on interpersonal struggles, such as sexual harassment or attacks against family and loved ones. Men, by comparison, are more likely to report nightmares about war or terrorism.
  • #36 Nightmare Disorder – PsychDB
    https://www.psychdb.com/sleep/parasomnias/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmares may be comorbid with several medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and pain, and can accompany medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, or withdrawal from medications or substances of abuse. Nightmares frequently are comorbid with other mental disorders, including PTSD; insomnia disorder; schizophrenia; psychosis; mood, anxiety, adjustment, and personality disorders; and grief during bereavement. […] A concurrent nightmare disorder diagnosis should only be considered when in dependent clinical attention is warranted (i.e. Criteria A-C are met). Otherwise, no separate diagnosis is necessary. These conditions should be listed under the appropriate comorbid category specifier. However, nightmare disorder may be diagnosed as a separate disorder in individuals with PTSD if the nightmares are temporally unrelated to PTSD (i.e., preceding other PTSD symptoms or persisting after other PTSD symptoms have resolved).
  • #37
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-020-00966-8
    Nightmare disorder and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis are rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias that cause significant distress to those who suffer from them. […] Nightmare disorder is particularly frequent in psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. […] Isolated sleep paralysis is experienced at least once by up to 40% of the general population, whereas recurrence is less frequent. […] The prevalence of nightmares has been extensively studied in patients with psychiatric diseases. […] A systematic review of 22 studies reported that the average prevalence of nightmare disorder was 38.9% in adults with a psychiatric disorder. […] Nightmare disorder is prevalent in 66.7% of PTSD, 37.3% of mood disorders, 31.1% of personality disorders, and 15.6% of anxiety disorders.
  • #38 Prevalence and Correlates of Frequent Nightmares: A Community-Based 2-Phase Study
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2880244/
    The prevalence of frequent nightmares, as defined by at least once per week, was 5.1%. […] The risk of having a psychiatric disorder was 5.74 times greater for subjects with frequent nightmares (95% confidence interval 2.03-16.26), especially mood disorders (odds ratio = 15.57, 95% confidence interval 3.77-64.37). […] Frequent nightmares were not uncommon in the general population and were associated with a constellation of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid sleep and psychiatric disorders. […] The prevalence of frequent nightmares was higher among women than among men (6.2% vs 3.8%, P 0.001). […] Lower socioeconomic status (e.g., low family income) was a risk factor for frequent nightmares. […] Frequent nightmares were significantly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders. […] Frequent nightmares can be independently related to neuroticism personality trait irrespective of psychiatric disorders.
  • #39
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-020-00966-8
    Nightmare disorder and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis are rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnias that cause significant distress to those who suffer from them. […] Nightmare disorder is particularly frequent in psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. […] Isolated sleep paralysis is experienced at least once by up to 40% of the general population, whereas recurrence is less frequent. […] The prevalence of nightmares has been extensively studied in patients with psychiatric diseases. […] A systematic review of 22 studies reported that the average prevalence of nightmare disorder was 38.9% in adults with a psychiatric disorder. […] Nightmare disorder is prevalent in 66.7% of PTSD, 37.3% of mood disorders, 31.1% of personality disorders, and 15.6% of anxiety disorders.
  • #40 Management of Nightmare Disorder in Adults
    https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/management-of-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Occasional nightmares are fairly common, but nightmare disorder occurs in 2% to 6% of adults. […] Nightmare disorder affects between 2% and 6% of adults. It is more common in younger adults than in older adults. More women than men have nightmare disorder during young adulthood, but there is no difference in those aged 60 years and older. […] PTSD patients—up to 80% of whom experience nightmares—have been studied the most regarding nightmares.
  • #41 Nightmare | Definition, Causes, Prevention, & Facts | Britannica
    https://www.britannica.com/science/nightmare
    Nightmare occurrence is one of the main symptoms used to diagnose persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)an estimated 70 to 90 percent of PTSD patients experience frequent nightmares. It is thought that trauma may be a predominant cause in such instances, because PTSD nightmares are very similar to daytime flashbacks. Nightmares also generally occur at increased frequency in persons with mental health issues. For example, nightmares affect about half of all patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and 10 percent of those with schizophrenia. Nightmares are also linked to depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, self-harming tendencies, and suicidal ideation. […] Associations between nightmares and physical and mental health conditions may be related to increased levels of daytime stress. Nightmare occurrence and frequency may also be linked to the use of certain medications, especially amphetamines, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, beta-blockers, and sedative-hypnotic drugs. In particular, the use of sleep supplements, such as melatonin, and prescription sleeping drugs, such as zolpidem, are associated with the occurrence of vivid dreams and nightmares.
  • #42 Nightmare Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24464-nightmare-disorder
    Nightmare disorder occurs in people who have social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder at approximately three times the rate of the general population. It affects 50% to 90% of people with PTSD. […] Approximately 2% to 8% of the general U.S. population has nightmare disorder. […] The prognosis (outlook) for nightmare disorder varies. For some people, nightmare disorder may resolve on its own. For others, the condition can persist for decades if its untreated.
  • #43 Nightmare Disorder: Causes of Atypical Adult Dreaming
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/nightmare-disorder-7487063
    Nightmare disorder affects between 3% and 8% of the general population, causing distress for those affected. […] One study of 498 people with moderate to severe mental illness found that 70% experienced recurrent nightmares. […] Approximately 4% of adults experience symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for nightmare disorder.
  • #44
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-020-00966-8
    In patients with psychiatric diseases, nightmares are reported to be frequent (several nights per week) and often cause multiple awakenings and difficulties getting back to sleep. […] It is difficult to determine the true prevalence of nightmare disorder as the majority of epidemiological studies fail to distinguish it from nightmares. […] Most prevalence studies suggest that 15-40% of the population of younger individuals have experienced at least one episode of sleep paralysis. […] Sleep deprivation, irregular sleep-wake schedules, or jetlag have been identified as predisposing factors. […] The occurrence of sleep paralysis during sleep in sitting positions (such as in airplanes) has not been reported.
  • #45 Prevalence, correlates and treatment of nightmares in secondary mental healthcare | Psychotraumanet
    https://psychotraumanet.org/en/prevalence-correlates-and-treatment-nightmares-secondary-mental-healthcare
    Nightmares are associated with psychopathology. The prevalence of nightmares in the general population is 2-5%. […] About 30% met the criteria for nightmare disorder according to strict DSM-IV-TR criteria. None of these patients had a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of nightmare disorder in their medical files. […] Currently imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is the recommended treatment for nightmares. […] In summary, nightmare disorder is highly prevalent in patients with mental disorders in secondary mental healthcare, although none of the patients had a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of nightmare disorder in their medical files. One in every three patients suffers from nightmares and these patients report more severe psychopathology in comparison to patients without nightmare disorder. Our study stresses the importance of careful assessment of nightmares in patients with diverse mental disorders. IRT successfully ameliorated nightmare frequency, nightmare distress and overall mental health complaints and psychopathology symptoms in this sample. IRT is effective and feasible to use in addition to treatment as usual in secondary mental healthcare.
  • #46 Nightmares: An Under-Diagnosed and Undertreated Condition?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2881708/
    THREE ASPECTS OF THE ARTICLE OF LI ET AL.1 IN THIS ISSUE OF SLEEP ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO CLINICIANS AND RESEARCHERS ALIKE: (1) the prevalence of nightmares in the general population, (2) the correlation between nightmares and other sleep complaints, and (3) possible factors underlying nightmare etiology. Li et al.1 found a prevalence of 5.1% of persons reporting frequent nightmares (defined as at least one nightmare per week). […] A smaller prevalence of frequent nightmares (2.4%), for example, was reported by Schredl2 for a representative German sample using an explicitly given awakening criterion. […] Li et al.,1 however, clearly demonstrated that nightmares are correlated with insomnia complaints. […] The high correlations between nightmare frequency and sleep-related daytime consequences reported by Li et al.1 underscore the notion that nightmares might have a strong effect on the well-being of the patient8 and should be treated.
  • #47 Nightmares: An Under-Diagnosed and Undertreated Condition?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2881708/
    THREE ASPECTS OF THE ARTICLE OF LI ET AL.1 IN THIS ISSUE OF SLEEP ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO CLINICIANS AND RESEARCHERS ALIKE: (1) the prevalence of nightmares in the general population, (2) the correlation between nightmares and other sleep complaints, and (3) possible factors underlying nightmare etiology. Li et al.1 found a prevalence of 5.1% of persons reporting frequent nightmares (defined as at least one nightmare per week). […] A smaller prevalence of frequent nightmares (2.4%), for example, was reported by Schredl2 for a representative German sample using an explicitly given awakening criterion. […] Li et al.,1 however, clearly demonstrated that nightmares are correlated with insomnia complaints. […] The high correlations between nightmare frequency and sleep-related daytime consequences reported by Li et al.1 underscore the notion that nightmares might have a strong effect on the well-being of the patient8 and should be treated.
  • #48 Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0401/p2037.html
    Nightmares are common. They can be associated with poor sleep and diminished daytime performance. […] In a two-week prospective study of college students, 47 percent described having at least one nightmare. Results of a general population study of 1,049 persons with insomnia revealed that 18.3 percent had nightmares. In this study, nightmares were more common in women and were associated with increases in nocturnal awakenings, sleep onset insomnia, and daytime memory impairment and anxiety following poor nocturnal sleep. Studies of the general population reveal that 5 to 8 percent of the adult population report a current problem with nightmares. […] Nightmares affect 20 to 39 percent of children between five and 12 years of age. Contrary to popular belief, frequent nightmares in children do not suggest underlying psychopathology.
  • #49 Adult Nightmares: Causes and Treatments
    https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nightmares-in-adults
    While it’s true nightmares are more common among children, one out of every two adults has nightmares on occasion. And between 2% and 8% of the adult population is plagued by nightmares. […] Nightmares in adults can be caused by certain sleep disorders. These include sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. If no other cause can be determined, chronic nightmares may be a distinct sleep disorder. People who have relatives with nightmare disorder may be more likely to have the condition themselves. […] Nightmares have been associated with suicide. Because nightmares may have a significant impact on your quality of life, it’s important to consult a medical professional if you experience them regularly. […] If your nightmares aren’t illness- or medication-related, don’t despair. Behavioral changes have proven effective for 70% of adults who suffer from nightmares, including those caused by anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • #50 ClinMed International Library | Nightmares and Associations with Sleep Quality and Self-Efficacy among University Students | Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management
    https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jsdm/journal-of-sleep-disorders-and-management-jsdm-1-006.php?jid=jsdm
    24% of students suffering from nightmares at least once a week reported to have difficulties falling asleep three times a week, whereas students without nightmares were affected by trouble falling asleep in only 12.0% of cases. […] Our results show that students suffering from nightmares reported more sleep related problems (e.g. problems falling asleep and impaired sleep quality) are in line with previous studies showing that students suffering from nightmares rated their sleep quality as poorer. […] In summary, our data indicates a substantial number of university students have a risk for suffering from nightmares and from insomnia symptoms. These sleep complaints may have an impact on academic success.
  • #51 Nightmares share genetic risk factors with sleep and psychiatric traits | Translational Psychiatry
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02637-6
    Nightmares are vivid, extended, and emotionally negative or negative dreams that awaken the dreamer. […] frequent nightmares often reflect underlying pathologies of emotional regulation. […] insomnia, depression, anxiety, or alcohol use have been associated with nightmares in epidemiological and clinical studies. […] the connection between nightmares and their comorbidities are poorly understood. […] Our findings suggest that nightmares share genetic background with psychiatric traits and that insomnia may increase an individuals liability to experience frequent nightmares. […] Given the significant correlations with psychiatric and psychological traits, it is essential to grow awareness of how nightmares affect health and disease and systematically collect information about nightmares, especially from clinical samples and larger cohorts.
  • #52 Nightmares share genetic risk factors with sleep and psychiatric traits | Translational Psychiatry
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02637-6
    the biological basis behind nightmares and the causality between nightmares and psychiatric traits have not been thoroughly established. […] Overall, these results demonstrate that insomnia is a potential risk factor for increased nightmare frequency. […] Symptoms of insomnia are very common and are reported by up to 30% of the population. […] Furthermore, previous studies suggest a significant association between nightmares, sleep disorders, and psychiatric traits. […] Our findings indicate the possibility that patients with psychiatric disorders may benefit if their nightmares are managed as part of the treatment strategy by using evidence-based interventions such as imagery rehearsal therapy.
  • #53 Nightmare Disorder – PsychDB
    https://www.psychdb.com/sleep/parasomnias/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmares may be comorbid with several medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and pain, and can accompany medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, or withdrawal from medications or substances of abuse. Nightmares frequently are comorbid with other mental disorders, including PTSD; insomnia disorder; schizophrenia; psychosis; mood, anxiety, adjustment, and personality disorders; and grief during bereavement. […] A concurrent nightmare disorder diagnosis should only be considered when in dependent clinical attention is warranted (i.e. Criteria A-C are met). Otherwise, no separate diagnosis is necessary. These conditions should be listed under the appropriate comorbid category specifier. However, nightmare disorder may be diagnosed as a separate disorder in individuals with PTSD if the nightmares are temporally unrelated to PTSD (i.e., preceding other PTSD symptoms or persisting after other PTSD symptoms have resolved).
  • #54 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes & Treatments | Ananda
    https://ananda.ai/nightmare-disorder/?srsltid=AfmBOorT61jsSzakqkot43xda0vX3-GvDyfw7sZMUgaX4wcBWfhUEaCt
    Extensive reviews of literature have pointed out a female prevalence in the epidemiology of Nightmare Disorders. […] There is a rising prevalence of the disorder from childhood to adolescence, continuing to increase in women into adulthood as well. […] Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, other various mental disorders, refugees, and children and adolescents are typically susceptible to nightmares. […] Causative factors of Nightmare Disorder vary greatly. […] Recurrent and distressing nightmares have also been linked with medical conditions and treatments. This includes medical conditions such as heart diseases, cancer, Parkinsons, and pain, as well as procedures such as haemodialysis or medication withdrawal. […] Nightmares may be comorbid with several medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and pain, and can accompany medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, or withdrawal from medications or substances of abuse. […] Nightmares frequently are comorbid with other mental disorders, including PTSD; insomnia disorder; schizophrenia; psychosis; mood, anxiety, adjustment, and personality disorders; and grief during bereavement.
  • #55 Nightmare – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare
    A prevalence of nightmares in children (5-12 years old) is between 20 and 30%, and for adults between 8 and 30%. […] According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Third Edition (ICSD-3), the nightmare disorder, together with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and recurrent isolated sleep paralysis, form the REM-related parasomnias subcategory of the Parasomnias cluster. […] Nightmares may be idiopathic without any signs of psychopathology or associated with disorders like stress, anxiety, substance abuse, psychiatric illness or PTSD (80% of PTSD patients report nightmares). […] Recent research has shown that frequent nightmares may precede the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
  • #56 Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatment Options for Nightmare Disorder
    https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/nightmare-disorder/nightmare-disorder-statistics/
    Nightmare disorder statistics reveal the prevalence, risk factors and treatment options available for this mental health condition. […] While nearly everyone is likely to experience a nightmare at some point in their life, nightmare disorder statistics show this condition is much rarer than the commonly experienced nightmares. […] As many as 5% of young adults and 2% of older adults report nightmares on most nights. […] Differences in the frequency of nightmares in women vs. men show that women are more likely to have nightmares than men. […] Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of nightmare disorder include: Poor Sleep Habits, Substance Use and Medications, Thinking Style, and Dissociation. […] Nightmare disorder and substance abuse may co-occur due to the effects of substance use on sleep. […] When nightmare disorder is not caused by another condition, treatment often consists of cognitive behavioral therapy. […] Nightmare disorder prognosis can be improved by increasing daytime activity, especially exercise.
  • #57 Prevalence and Correlates of Frequent Nightmares: A Community-Based 2-Phase Study
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2880244/
    The prevalence of frequent nightmares, as defined by at least once per week, was 5.1%. […] The risk of having a psychiatric disorder was 5.74 times greater for subjects with frequent nightmares (95% confidence interval 2.03-16.26), especially mood disorders (odds ratio = 15.57, 95% confidence interval 3.77-64.37). […] Frequent nightmares were not uncommon in the general population and were associated with a constellation of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid sleep and psychiatric disorders. […] The prevalence of frequent nightmares was higher among women than among men (6.2% vs 3.8%, P 0.001). […] Lower socioeconomic status (e.g., low family income) was a risk factor for frequent nightmares. […] Frequent nightmares were significantly associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood disorders. […] Frequent nightmares can be independently related to neuroticism personality trait irrespective of psychiatric disorders.
  • #58 Nightmare disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353515
    Nightmare disorder is relatively rare. Nightmare disorder is when nightmares happen often, cause distress, disrupt sleep, cause problems with daytime functioning or create fear of going to sleep. […] Occasional nightmares aren’t usually a cause for concern. […] Consult your doctor if nightmares occur frequently and persist over time. […] Nightmare disorder is referred to by doctors as a parasomnia a type of sleep disorder that involves undesirable experiences that occur while you’re falling asleep, during sleep or when you’re waking up. […] Nightmares are more common when family members have a history of nightmares or other sleep parasomnias, such as talking during sleep. […] Nightmare disorder may cause excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to difficulties at school or work, or problems with everyday tasks, such as driving and concentrating.
  • #59 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #60 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #61 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #62
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-017-1408-7
    Nightmares often arise following exposure to a traumatic event; they have, therefore, most often been considered in the context of PTSD and are one of the core clinical symptoms of the disorder. […] Nightmares may not be wholly accountable to negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events. […] Higher levels of worry, hallucinatory experiences and longer sleep duration were significantly associated with whether or not participants experienced nightmares, even after controlling for negative affect, PTSD, and stressful life events. […] Worry, depersonalisation, paranoia and hallucinatory experiences were significantly associated with the severity of nightmares. […] The current study shows novel cross-sectional associations between psychological, psychiatric, and behavioural factors with nightmares, which were not accounted for by negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events alone.
  • #63
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-017-1408-7
    Nightmares often arise following exposure to a traumatic event; they have, therefore, most often been considered in the context of PTSD and are one of the core clinical symptoms of the disorder. […] Nightmares may not be wholly accountable to negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events. […] Higher levels of worry, hallucinatory experiences and longer sleep duration were significantly associated with whether or not participants experienced nightmares, even after controlling for negative affect, PTSD, and stressful life events. […] Worry, depersonalisation, paranoia and hallucinatory experiences were significantly associated with the severity of nightmares. […] The current study shows novel cross-sectional associations between psychological, psychiatric, and behavioural factors with nightmares, which were not accounted for by negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events alone.
  • #64
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-017-1408-7
    Nightmares often arise following exposure to a traumatic event; they have, therefore, most often been considered in the context of PTSD and are one of the core clinical symptoms of the disorder. […] Nightmares may not be wholly accountable to negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events. […] Higher levels of worry, hallucinatory experiences and longer sleep duration were significantly associated with whether or not participants experienced nightmares, even after controlling for negative affect, PTSD, and stressful life events. […] Worry, depersonalisation, paranoia and hallucinatory experiences were significantly associated with the severity of nightmares. […] The current study shows novel cross-sectional associations between psychological, psychiatric, and behavioural factors with nightmares, which were not accounted for by negative affect, PTSD symptoms, and stressful life events alone.
  • #65 Nightmare Disorder and Effect on the Brain – DRAFT ONLY Cognitive Neuroscience
    https://caul-cbua.pressbooks.pub/cogneuro/chapter/nightmare-disorder-and-effect-on-the-brain/
    People with high afferent load and afferent distress are more likely to have impaired fear extinction, and people with impaired fear extinction are more likely to have nightmares that constitute a clinical problem such as nightmare disorder. Additionally, certain medications and drugs can cause frequent nightmares, particularly substances that influence norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine neurotransmitters. This suggests that there may be chemosensory pathways facilitating nightmares, though more research is required as not all results are consistent. […] One study collected fMRI data of four men and eleven women with nightmare disorder experiencing an episode of frequent nightmares. This suggests that the inability to regulate emotions is related to nightmare disorder. Patients with PTSD also have high activation inferior parietal lobule during episodes of intrusive thought or intense nightmares. This suggest that the hyperarousal experienced by people with nightmare disorder, as well as PTSD, is linked to the high activation of the inferior parietal lobule.
  • #66 Nightmare Disorder in Children and Adolescents
    https://www.mindyra.com/solutions/child/nightmare
    Nightmare disorder is a psychiatric disorder that increases in prevalence throughout childhood and adolescence (up to 7% of children meet criteria for the disorder) and then decreases in prevalence in adulthood. […] Occasional nightmares are fairly common in children. Therefore, nightmare disorder is diagnosed only when the nightmares occur repeatedly and cause clinically significant distress or impairment. […] Nightmare disorder is more likely to cause severe distress than clinically significant impairment. Nevertheless, impairment can occur if the nightmares lead to sleep avoidance or impaired concentration or efficiency during the day. […] Little is known about the neurobiology of nightmare disorder. However, some studies have linked nightmares to various neurotransmitter systems, in particular norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, and to activity in affective neural networks, including the amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex.
  • #67 Nightmare Disorder in Adults
    https://www.mindyra.com/solutions/adults/nightmare
    Nightmare disorder is a psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 2 -5% of adults. […] Nightmare disorder should be diagnosed only when the nightmares are sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention. […] Little is known about the neurobiology of nightmare disorder. However, some studies have linked nightmares to various neurotransmitter systems, in particular norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, and to activity in affective neural networks, including the amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. […] Nightmare disorder is treatable. […] Clinical research and practice guidelines suggest that the following treatments are effective for treating nightmare disorder: Pharmacotherapy with prazosin, an alpha-one blocker, is recommended for treating nightmares. […] Image rehearsal therapy, a cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves rehearsing a different, non-threatening ending to the nightmare, is recommended for the treatment of nightmare disorder.
  • #68 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://psychcentral.com/disorders/nightmare-disorder-symptoms
    Nightmare disorder, also called dream anxiety disorder, is a rare type of sleep-related disorder (parasomnia) affecting about 4% of adults, causing distress and sleep problems. […] Nightmare disorder can only be diagnosed when disturbing dreams are chronic and persistent. […] Research from 2019 suggests nightmare disorder may be influenced by hyperarousal that builds during the day and continues throughout the night. […] Nightmare disorder may also be associated with fear-based memories that lie dormant during waking hours and become aroused during sleep. […] An occasional nightmare episode doesn’t require treatment, but nightmare disorder and PTSD-associated nightmares can be treated in a number of ways to help reduce the occurrences of disturbing dreams. […] To treat nightmare disorder, AASM recommends the following medications: nitrazepam, prazosin (Minipress), triazolam. […] There’s no guarantee that you can direct the content of your dreams. […] But with the help of a qualified therapist, you can work through the imagery during your waking hours to cope with your symptoms and reduce the occurrences of nightmares.
  • #69 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://psychcentral.com/disorders/nightmare-disorder-symptoms
    Nightmare disorder, also called dream anxiety disorder, is a rare type of sleep-related disorder (parasomnia) affecting about 4% of adults, causing distress and sleep problems. […] Nightmare disorder can only be diagnosed when disturbing dreams are chronic and persistent. […] Research from 2019 suggests nightmare disorder may be influenced by hyperarousal that builds during the day and continues throughout the night. […] Nightmare disorder may also be associated with fear-based memories that lie dormant during waking hours and become aroused during sleep. […] An occasional nightmare episode doesn’t require treatment, but nightmare disorder and PTSD-associated nightmares can be treated in a number of ways to help reduce the occurrences of disturbing dreams. […] To treat nightmare disorder, AASM recommends the following medications: nitrazepam, prazosin (Minipress), triazolam. […] There’s no guarantee that you can direct the content of your dreams. […] But with the help of a qualified therapist, you can work through the imagery during your waking hours to cope with your symptoms and reduce the occurrences of nightmares.
  • #70 Nightmare | Definition, Causes, Prevention, & Facts | Britannica
    https://www.britannica.com/science/nightmare
    Nightmare occurrence is one of the main symptoms used to diagnose persons with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)an estimated 70 to 90 percent of PTSD patients experience frequent nightmares. It is thought that trauma may be a predominant cause in such instances, because PTSD nightmares are very similar to daytime flashbacks. Nightmares also generally occur at increased frequency in persons with mental health issues. For example, nightmares affect about half of all patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and 10 percent of those with schizophrenia. Nightmares are also linked to depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, irritability, insomnia, poor concentration, self-harming tendencies, and suicidal ideation. […] Associations between nightmares and physical and mental health conditions may be related to increased levels of daytime stress. Nightmare occurrence and frequency may also be linked to the use of certain medications, especially amphetamines, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, beta-blockers, and sedative-hypnotic drugs. In particular, the use of sleep supplements, such as melatonin, and prescription sleeping drugs, such as zolpidem, are associated with the occurrence of vivid dreams and nightmares.
  • #71 Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0401/p2037.html
    Nightmares are also associated with the use of medication, primarily those medications that affect neurotransmitter levels of the central nervous system, such as antidepressants, narcotics or barbiturates. […] Nightmares are a defining symptom in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The occurrence of PTSD following trauma varies. Thirty percent of veterans of the Vietnam War were affected by PTSD, as were 68 percent of veterans who were in the Arab-Israeli conflict of 1973 and 8 percent of veterans of the Gulf War. Among the civilian population, PTSD affects approximately 25 percent of persons who have experienced emotional and physical trauma or have suffered a severe medical illness. […] Nightmares can occur in patients with psychiatric illness. […] A strong association exists between REM sleep and dreaming. Most frightening dreams occur during REM sleep, and most REM-altering disorders and medications affect dreaming.
  • #72 ClinMed International Library | Nightmares and Associations with Sleep Quality and Self-Efficacy among University Students | Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management
    https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jsdm/journal-of-sleep-disorders-and-management-jsdm-1-006.php?jid=jsdm
    Sleep problems are a common complaint among adults. In university students international studies showed prevalence rates between 4.7 and 36.2% for sleep difficulties and 2-3% of students report nightmares. […] More than 24.3% of surveyed students suffered from nightmares, 18.5% reported nightmares more often than once a week and 5.8% suffered from nightmares at least 3 times a week. […] In the general population 2-3% suffers from frequent nightmares whereas studies with adolescents refer nightmare prevalence rates up to 8.3% showing that age plays a significant role in prevalence rates with children and adolescents suffering more often from nightmares than older individuals. […] Various other factors are associated with nightmares and nightmare frequency. Over all, woman report more often nightmares than men also in students.
  • #73 Nightmares and Disorders of Dreaming | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0401/p2037.html
    Nightmares are common. They can be associated with poor sleep and diminished daytime performance. […] In a two-week prospective study of college students, 47 percent described having at least one nightmare. Results of a general population study of 1,049 persons with insomnia revealed that 18.3 percent had nightmares. In this study, nightmares were more common in women and were associated with increases in nocturnal awakenings, sleep onset insomnia, and daytime memory impairment and anxiety following poor nocturnal sleep. Studies of the general population reveal that 5 to 8 percent of the adult population report a current problem with nightmares. […] Nightmares affect 20 to 39 percent of children between five and 12 years of age. Contrary to popular belief, frequent nightmares in children do not suggest underlying psychopathology.
  • #74 ClinMed International Library | Nightmares and Associations with Sleep Quality and Self-Efficacy among University Students | Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management
    https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jsdm/journal-of-sleep-disorders-and-management-jsdm-1-006.php?jid=jsdm
    Sleep problems are a common complaint among adults. In university students international studies showed prevalence rates between 4.7 and 36.2% for sleep difficulties and 2-3% of students report nightmares. […] More than 24.3% of surveyed students suffered from nightmares, 18.5% reported nightmares more often than once a week and 5.8% suffered from nightmares at least 3 times a week. […] In the general population 2-3% suffers from frequent nightmares whereas studies with adolescents refer nightmare prevalence rates up to 8.3% showing that age plays a significant role in prevalence rates with children and adolescents suffering more often from nightmares than older individuals. […] Various other factors are associated with nightmares and nightmare frequency. Over all, woman report more often nightmares than men also in students.
  • #75 Nightmare Disorder and Effect on the Brain – DRAFT ONLY Cognitive Neuroscience
    https://caul-cbua.pressbooks.pub/cogneuro/chapter/nightmare-disorder-and-effect-on-the-brain/
    Nearly everybody can recall having a nightmare at some point in their lives. One study done by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that 47% of surveyed undergraduate students had a nightmare in the last two weeks. Nightmares are unpleasant, vivid, and upsetting dreams, typically occurring during the REM stage of sleep, and can be recalled being awoken. When an individual has nightmares that occur frequently, to the extent that their daily lives are affected, they may have a type of parasomnia called nightmare disorder. […] The aetiology of nightmare disorder is still being researched, the leading theories suggest hyperarousal and impaired fear extinction are what causes the disorder. Individuals with nightmare disorder often have a hyperactivity to negative stimuli, even when the stimuli may be considered mild to somebody else. The accumulation of hyperarousal throughout the day and carries into night, triggering nightmares. Hyperarousal is also a primary pathophysiological factor in other disorders, such as PTSD and insomnia. Patients with PTSD often report frequent nightmares, and they also typically display a reduced tolerance and hypersensitivity to stimuli that could be perceived as a threat, without the stimuli being explicitly negative. While nightmare disorder patients report less distress than PTSD patients, the similarities can still be useful in identifying the aetiology.
  • #76 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
    https://www.verywellmind.com/nightmare-disorder-definition-symptoms-causes-treatment-5220095
    Nightmare disorder is prevalent in 2% to 6% of adults. It is more prevalent in women than men, and the highest peak in women is between the ages of 20 and 39. […] A study compared the prevalence of nightmares in older adults and college students. They found nightmares to exist in about 20% of college students and a little over 4% in older adults, presenting a very large difference. […] Research has found that the prevalence of nightmare disorder is high in nurses due to anxiety, depression, and stress. […] In a review of various studies, a link between suicidal ideations and nightmare disorder is blatantly prevalent. […] A study found that 57% of participants with a dissociative disorder also had nightmare disorder, and those with nightmares presented greater dissociative symptoms.
  • #77 ClinMed International Library | Nightmares and Associations with Sleep Quality and Self-Efficacy among University Students | Journal of Sleep Disorders and Management
    https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jsdm/journal-of-sleep-disorders-and-management-jsdm-1-006.php?jid=jsdm
    24% of students suffering from nightmares at least once a week reported to have difficulties falling asleep three times a week, whereas students without nightmares were affected by trouble falling asleep in only 12.0% of cases. […] Our results show that students suffering from nightmares reported more sleep related problems (e.g. problems falling asleep and impaired sleep quality) are in line with previous studies showing that students suffering from nightmares rated their sleep quality as poorer. […] In summary, our data indicates a substantial number of university students have a risk for suffering from nightmares and from insomnia symptoms. These sleep complaints may have an impact on academic success.
  • #78 Nightmare disorder in active-duty US military personnel
    https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/7203/
    Study objectives: Military personnel experience high rates of traumatic experiences. Despite this, few studies have examined the presence of nightmare disorder in military personnel. The primary aim of this study was to examine diagnoses of nightmare disorder across the 4 largest branches of the active-duty US military. […] Results: Between 2016 and 2019, the incidence rates of nightmare disorder (per 10,000 service members) in the US Department of Defense ranged from 11.3 in 2016 to a low of 6.9 in 2018. Service members who were classified as non-white, female, over the age of 35, married, in the Army, and/or a noncommissioned officer, were diagnosed at greater rates relative to their representation in the military population.
  • #79 Nightmare disorder in active-duty US military personnel
    https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/7203/
    Study objectives: Military personnel experience high rates of traumatic experiences. Despite this, few studies have examined the presence of nightmare disorder in military personnel. The primary aim of this study was to examine diagnoses of nightmare disorder across the 4 largest branches of the active-duty US military. […] Results: Between 2016 and 2019, the incidence rates of nightmare disorder (per 10,000 service members) in the US Department of Defense ranged from 11.3 in 2016 to a low of 6.9 in 2018. Service members who were classified as non-white, female, over the age of 35, married, in the Army, and/or a noncommissioned officer, were diagnosed at greater rates relative to their representation in the military population.
  • #80 Nightmare disorder in active-duty US military personnel
    https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/facpubs/7203/
    Study objectives: Military personnel experience high rates of traumatic experiences. Despite this, few studies have examined the presence of nightmare disorder in military personnel. The primary aim of this study was to examine diagnoses of nightmare disorder across the 4 largest branches of the active-duty US military. […] Results: Between 2016 and 2019, the incidence rates of nightmare disorder (per 10,000 service members) in the US Department of Defense ranged from 11.3 in 2016 to a low of 6.9 in 2018. Service members who were classified as non-white, female, over the age of 35, married, in the Army, and/or a noncommissioned officer, were diagnosed at greater rates relative to their representation in the military population.
  • #81 Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and | NSS
    https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-characteristics-of-posttraumatic-nightmares-in-war–and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS
    Given the high prevalence of nightmares and the relation between nightmares and academic functioning, students in conflict-affected areas appear to be a particularly vulnerable group. This study proposes screening and treating conflict-affected students for recurrent posttraumatic nightmares. […] While prevalence estimates tend to vary in the research literature due to differing measures and definitions of nightmares, about 4% of the general adult population are affected by (idiopathic) nightmare disorders. Nightmares are experienced more commonly among young children, increasing in frequency up to the age of six and decreasing after the age of 10. During the peak period, 55% of children experience nightmares or night terrors, with 6% once a week or more frequently. […] A high prevalence of nightmares have been found among military personnel with sleep disturbances, and people with war experience report more nightmares than the general population. Posttraumatic nightmares have shown to be persistent and long-lasting. In a non-conflict population, manifestations of sleep disturbances were documented 16 years post-trauma among children who experienced avalanches and lasting for more than 40 years for war veterans.
  • #82 Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and | NSS
    https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-characteristics-of-posttraumatic-nightmares-in-war–and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS
    Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students […] Recurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones. […] Using two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093). […] Among 300 students (10 12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6 17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity.
  • #83 Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and | NSS
    https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-characteristics-of-posttraumatic-nightmares-in-war–and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS
    Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students […] Recurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones. […] Using two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093). […] Among 300 students (10 12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6 17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity.
  • #84 Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and | NSS
    https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-characteristics-of-posttraumatic-nightmares-in-war–and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS
    Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students […] Recurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones. […] Using two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093). […] Among 300 students (10 12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6 17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity.
  • #85 Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and | NSS
    https://www.dovepress.com/prevalence-and-characteristics-of-posttraumatic-nightmares-in-war–and-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS
    Prevalence and Characteristics of Posttraumatic Nightmares in War- and Conflict-Affected Students […] Recurrent nightmares, frequently associated with traumatic experiences, may impair quality of life and daily functioning. However, there have been few studies of posttraumatic nightmares occurring among children and youth, in particular for trauma-exposed populations in conflict zones. […] Using two quantitative data sets, this study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of recurrent nightmares among conflict-exposed young people in the Gaza Strip (N = 300) and examines the characteristics of posttraumatic nightmares and their association with academic functioning among treatment-seeking students in Gaza (N = 1093). […] Among 300 students (10 12 years old) who lived in the ongoing conflict area in Gaza, nightmares were often mentioned, with 56% reporting recurrent nightmares with an average weekly frequency of 4.20 nights in the past week (SD = 1.94) and a mean duration of 2.48 years (SD = 2.01). Similarly, the large sample of 1093 students (6 17 years of age) who sought help for nightmares and sleep disturbance reported recurrent traumatic nightmares on average 4.57 nights per week, with an average duration of 2.82 years. Their self-reported academic functioning was negatively affected by whether they experienced nightmares but was not associated with nightmare frequency or intensity.
  • #86 Nightmare disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353515
    Nightmare disorder is relatively rare. Nightmare disorder is when nightmares happen often, cause distress, disrupt sleep, cause problems with daytime functioning or create fear of going to sleep. […] Occasional nightmares aren’t usually a cause for concern. […] Consult your doctor if nightmares occur frequently and persist over time. […] Nightmare disorder is referred to by doctors as a parasomnia a type of sleep disorder that involves undesirable experiences that occur while you’re falling asleep, during sleep or when you’re waking up. […] Nightmares are more common when family members have a history of nightmares or other sleep parasomnias, such as talking during sleep. […] Nightmare disorder may cause excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to difficulties at school or work, or problems with everyday tasks, such as driving and concentrating.
  • #87 Nightmare disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nightmare-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353515
    Nightmare disorder is relatively rare. Nightmare disorder is when nightmares happen often, cause distress, disrupt sleep, cause problems with daytime functioning or create fear of going to sleep. […] Occasional nightmares aren’t usually a cause for concern. […] Consult your doctor if nightmares occur frequently and persist over time. […] Nightmare disorder is referred to by doctors as a parasomnia a type of sleep disorder that involves undesirable experiences that occur while you’re falling asleep, during sleep or when you’re waking up. […] Nightmares are more common when family members have a history of nightmares or other sleep parasomnias, such as talking during sleep. […] Nightmare disorder may cause excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to difficulties at school or work, or problems with everyday tasks, such as driving and concentrating.
  • #88 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
    https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder
    A sleep study (polysomnogram) may also be recommended in some cases to rule out other sleep disorders. […] Nightmare disorder can have several negative impacts on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. […] Frequent nightmares can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function. […] The emotional distress caused by nightmares can contribute to anxiety, depression, and irritability. […] Chronic sleep deprivation and stress associated with nightmare disorder may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
  • #89 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
    https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder
    A sleep study (polysomnogram) may also be recommended in some cases to rule out other sleep disorders. […] Nightmare disorder can have several negative impacts on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. […] Frequent nightmares can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function. […] The emotional distress caused by nightmares can contribute to anxiety, depression, and irritability. […] Chronic sleep deprivation and stress associated with nightmare disorder may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
  • #90 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
    https://klinic.com/condition/nightmare-disorder
    A sleep study (polysomnogram) may also be recommended in some cases to rule out other sleep disorders. […] Nightmare disorder can have several negative impacts on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. […] Frequent nightmares can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function. […] The emotional distress caused by nightmares can contribute to anxiety, depression, and irritability. […] Chronic sleep deprivation and stress associated with nightmare disorder may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
  • #91 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #92 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #93 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults/print
    A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). […] Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. […] Nightmares are more prevalent during periods of stress. […] There is a strong correlation between nightmares and suicide risk. […] Individuals with frequent nightmares are more likely to attempt suicide and self-harming behaviors. […] The differential diagnosis of nightmare disorder includes dysphoric dreams („bad dreams”), other parasomnias, such as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and sleep terrors, and psychiatric disorders such as nocturnal panic attack.
  • #94 Nightmare Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
    https://www.verywellmind.com/nightmare-disorder-definition-symptoms-causes-treatment-5220095
    Nightmare disorder is prevalent in 2% to 6% of adults. It is more prevalent in women than men, and the highest peak in women is between the ages of 20 and 39. […] A study compared the prevalence of nightmares in older adults and college students. They found nightmares to exist in about 20% of college students and a little over 4% in older adults, presenting a very large difference. […] Research has found that the prevalence of nightmare disorder is high in nurses due to anxiety, depression, and stress. […] In a review of various studies, a link between suicidal ideations and nightmare disorder is blatantly prevalent. […] A study found that 57% of participants with a dissociative disorder also had nightmare disorder, and those with nightmares presented greater dissociative symptoms.
  • #95 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #96 Adult Nightmares: Causes and Treatments
    https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/nightmares-in-adults
    While it’s true nightmares are more common among children, one out of every two adults has nightmares on occasion. And between 2% and 8% of the adult population is plagued by nightmares. […] Nightmares in adults can be caused by certain sleep disorders. These include sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. If no other cause can be determined, chronic nightmares may be a distinct sleep disorder. People who have relatives with nightmare disorder may be more likely to have the condition themselves. […] Nightmares have been associated with suicide. Because nightmares may have a significant impact on your quality of life, it’s important to consult a medical professional if you experience them regularly. […] If your nightmares aren’t illness- or medication-related, don’t despair. Behavioral changes have proven effective for 70% of adults who suffer from nightmares, including those caused by anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • #97
    https://heartbrain.hms.harvard.edu/publications/0662-digital-sleep-health-surveillance-population-nightmare-frequency
    Nightmares are a critical component of multidimensional sleep health. Frequent nightmare recallers suffer reduced sleep length, depressed mood, and are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the future. Reliable population estimates of nightmare frequency are difficult to obtain and often restricted to rigid timepoints (e.g., once per year). Thus, there is a need for low-cost methods to track population levels of nightmare frequency and their dynamic changes over time. […] We observed an increase in nightmares shared on Reddit immediately following the WHOs declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This novel approach to tracking nightmares might offer the field of sleep medicine a low-cost and real-time system for monitoring population sleep health.
  • #98
    https://heartbrain.hms.harvard.edu/publications/0662-digital-sleep-health-surveillance-population-nightmare-frequency
    Nightmares are a critical component of multidimensional sleep health. Frequent nightmare recallers suffer reduced sleep length, depressed mood, and are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the future. Reliable population estimates of nightmare frequency are difficult to obtain and often restricted to rigid timepoints (e.g., once per year). Thus, there is a need for low-cost methods to track population levels of nightmare frequency and their dynamic changes over time. […] We observed an increase in nightmares shared on Reddit immediately following the WHOs declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This novel approach to tracking nightmares might offer the field of sleep medicine a low-cost and real-time system for monitoring population sleep health.
  • #99
    https://heartbrain.hms.harvard.edu/publications/0662-digital-sleep-health-surveillance-population-nightmare-frequency
    Nightmares are a critical component of multidimensional sleep health. Frequent nightmare recallers suffer reduced sleep length, depressed mood, and are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the future. Reliable population estimates of nightmare frequency are difficult to obtain and often restricted to rigid timepoints (e.g., once per year). Thus, there is a need for low-cost methods to track population levels of nightmare frequency and their dynamic changes over time. […] We observed an increase in nightmares shared on Reddit immediately following the WHOs declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This novel approach to tracking nightmares might offer the field of sleep medicine a low-cost and real-time system for monitoring population sleep health.
  • #100
    https://heartbrain.hms.harvard.edu/publications/0662-digital-sleep-health-surveillance-population-nightmare-frequency
    Nightmares are a critical component of multidimensional sleep health. Frequent nightmare recallers suffer reduced sleep length, depressed mood, and are more likely to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder in the future. Reliable population estimates of nightmare frequency are difficult to obtain and often restricted to rigid timepoints (e.g., once per year). Thus, there is a need for low-cost methods to track population levels of nightmare frequency and their dynamic changes over time. […] We observed an increase in nightmares shared on Reddit immediately following the WHOs declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This novel approach to tracking nightmares might offer the field of sleep medicine a low-cost and real-time system for monitoring population sleep health.
  • #101 A Healthcare Claims Investigation of Parasomnia Epidemiology, Associations with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Correlates
    https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/9988/
    Parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and nightmare disorder, are abnormal behaviors and emotions emanating from sleep or wake to sleep transitions. […] Despite a history of fascination with abnormal sleep behaviors in the general and medical communities, epidemiologic understanding of parasomnias remains limited, in part due to their amnestic nature and presumption that they are benign childhood problems. […] We found lower estimates compared to survey-based studies, although age and sex trends are consistent with current understanding. Significant findings include a higher prevalence/incidence of sleepwalking and sleep terror among male children and adolescents, higher estimates of nightmare disorder among older men, and higher estimates in the western US region. […] Despite the recognition of poor sleep in ADHD and common features with parasomnias, associations between ADHD and parasomnias have been scantly investigated. […] Collectively, these studies contribute to the dearth of epidemiologic studies of parasomnias and highlight ways in which administrative healthcare claims can be leveraged to investigate these intriguing sleep disorders.
  • #102 A Healthcare Claims Investigation of Parasomnia Epidemiology, Associations with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Correlates
    https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/9988/
    Parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and nightmare disorder, are abnormal behaviors and emotions emanating from sleep or wake to sleep transitions. […] Despite a history of fascination with abnormal sleep behaviors in the general and medical communities, epidemiologic understanding of parasomnias remains limited, in part due to their amnestic nature and presumption that they are benign childhood problems. […] We found lower estimates compared to survey-based studies, although age and sex trends are consistent with current understanding. Significant findings include a higher prevalence/incidence of sleepwalking and sleep terror among male children and adolescents, higher estimates of nightmare disorder among older men, and higher estimates in the western US region. […] Despite the recognition of poor sleep in ADHD and common features with parasomnias, associations between ADHD and parasomnias have been scantly investigated. […] Collectively, these studies contribute to the dearth of epidemiologic studies of parasomnias and highlight ways in which administrative healthcare claims can be leveraged to investigate these intriguing sleep disorders.
  • #103 Seeking professional help for nightmares: a representative study
    http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-61632013000400004
    Nightmares are defined as disturbing mental experiences that generally occur during REM sleep and often result in awakening. Even though about 5% of the general population suffers from nightmares, little is known about seeking professional help in this patient group. […] The findings indicate that every eighth person with frequent nightmares (cutoff: every other week or more often) sought at one time of his/her life for professional help for coping with nightmares. Socio-demographic variables did not correlate with help-seeking behavior. […] Nightmares are an undertreated condition and future studies should aim at a more throughout understanding why nightmare sufferers rarely seek help for their condition. […] These studies indicate that nightmares are underdiagnosed and very likely undertreated. However, up to now, there is no systematic research identifying the frequency of nightmare sufferers seeking professional help for their disorder – despite its consequences on sleep and day-time functioning.
  • #104 Nightmares: An Under-Diagnosed and Undertreated Condition?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2881708/
    Krakow9 pointed out that up to 16% of a sleep clinic patient population reported clinically salient nightmare conditions and often do not receive effective treatment. […] On the other hand, further epidemiological studies are needed to enhance our knowledge of the prevalence of different nightmare types, nightmare stability, the impact of nightmares on daytime functioning, and the utilization of health care services by persons who suffer from nightmares.
  • #105 Seeking professional help for nightmares: a representative study
    http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-61632013000400004
    Overall, 3.03% of the participants with at least some nightmares and/or bad dreams (N = 1022) reported that they sought professional help for coping with their nightmares. […] The statistical analysis showed that none of the socio-demographic variables affected help-seeking and only nightmare frequency and the self-rated effects of dreams on subsequent waking life were significantly associated with the probability of seeking professional help. […] About every eighth person with nightmares (cutoff: every other week or more often) sought at one time of his/her life for professional help for coping with nightmares; the contention that nightmares are undertreated is supported by this data, in particular as the percentage of successfully treated nightmare sufferers is presumably much smaller. […] To summarize, the present study indicates that nightmares are an undertreated condition. Future studies should aim at a more thorough understanding of why nightmare sufferers rarely seek help for their condition.
  • #106 Seeking professional help for nightmares: a representative study
    http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-61632013000400004
    Overall, 3.03% of the participants with at least some nightmares and/or bad dreams (N = 1022) reported that they sought professional help for coping with their nightmares. […] The statistical analysis showed that none of the socio-demographic variables affected help-seeking and only nightmare frequency and the self-rated effects of dreams on subsequent waking life were significantly associated with the probability of seeking professional help. […] About every eighth person with nightmares (cutoff: every other week or more often) sought at one time of his/her life for professional help for coping with nightmares; the contention that nightmares are undertreated is supported by this data, in particular as the percentage of successfully treated nightmare sufferers is presumably much smaller. […] To summarize, the present study indicates that nightmares are an undertreated condition. Future studies should aim at a more thorough understanding of why nightmare sufferers rarely seek help for their condition.
  • #107 Nightmares share genetic risk factors with sleep and psychiatric traits | Translational Psychiatry
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02637-6
    Nightmares are vivid, extended, and emotionally negative or negative dreams that awaken the dreamer. […] frequent nightmares often reflect underlying pathologies of emotional regulation. […] insomnia, depression, anxiety, or alcohol use have been associated with nightmares in epidemiological and clinical studies. […] the connection between nightmares and their comorbidities are poorly understood. […] Our findings suggest that nightmares share genetic background with psychiatric traits and that insomnia may increase an individuals liability to experience frequent nightmares. […] Given the significant correlations with psychiatric and psychological traits, it is essential to grow awareness of how nightmares affect health and disease and systematically collect information about nightmares, especially from clinical samples and larger cohorts.
  • #108 Nightmares share genetic risk factors with sleep and psychiatric traits | Translational Psychiatry
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02637-6
    While the risk factors behind nightmares are not well understood, nightmares can be caused by negative experiences and fear, such as traumatic events, as observed in war veterans with PTSD. […] our earlier epidemiological studies and those by others have shown that both sleep problems and severe sleep disorders, such as insomnia and narcolepsy, are associated with nightmares. […] the overall clinical relevance of nightmares has possibly been underestimated despite their known epidemiological association with a large number of sleep disorders, psychiatric disorders, and even suicide. […] Overall, hyperarousal, as a result from emotional stress and problems with sleep regulation have been linked to many psychiatric traits including but not limited to personality disorders, psychosis, mood disorders, PTSD, and insomnia, which also demonstrate comorbidity and overlap with each other.
  • #109 Nightmare Disorder: What Causes It and How Do You Manage It?
    https://www.healthline.com/health/nightmare-disorder
    Its estimated that 4% of adults live with nightmare disorder. […] Nightmare disorder is a sleep-wake disorder, but its also considered a mental health condition because it can cause significant psychological distress and impairment. […] Nightmare disorder is a type of parasomnia, a sleep-wake disorder featuring unusual behaviors or perceptions that interrupt sleep. Intense, extended, and vivid nightmares that cause major distress or impairment are the hallmark features of this condition.
  • #110 Nightmare Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24464-nightmare-disorder
    Nightmare disorder occurs in people who have social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder at approximately three times the rate of the general population. It affects 50% to 90% of people with PTSD. […] Approximately 2% to 8% of the general U.S. population has nightmare disorder. […] The prognosis (outlook) for nightmare disorder varies. For some people, nightmare disorder may resolve on its own. For others, the condition can persist for decades if its untreated.
  • #111 Nightmare disorder – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightmare_disorder
    About 26% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] About 4% of American adults are affected by nightmare disorders. […] Women seem to be more affected than men, the ratio being 24 : 1. […] The rate of nightmares increases from ages 10-19 to 20-39, and then decreases during the ages of 50-59. […] According to studies, children at the age of 6-10 years are 41% more likely to experience nightmares and 22% at the age of 11. […] Children with persistent nightmares range from 10% to 50%. […] However, only 1% of children meet the criteria of a nightmare disorder. […] Some factors tend to predict the development of a disorder from the presence of nightmares during childhood, such as a fear of going to sleep or going back to bed after a nightmare, an irregular sleep life and an avoidance of thinking about the nightmare.
  • #112 Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nightmares-and-nightmare-disorder-in-adults
    Nightmares and nightmare disorder in adults […] EPIDEMIOLOGY — The true prevalence of nightmares and nightmare disorder is uncertain due to varying terminology and criteria for defining nightmares across studies. Nonetheless, it is clear that the occurrence of an occasional nightmare is common, and that nightmare disorder is much less common, particularly in adults. Approximately 50 percent of children report ever having nightmares, and up to 20 percent report having frequent nightmares. Approximately 85 percent of adults report having a nightmare at least once a year, and 2 to 6 percent report having frequent (weekly) nightmares. A large population-based study of adults over 50 years of age in Korea demonstrated a 2.7 percent prevalence of experiencing severe nightmares accompanied by awakenings. Nightmare frequency increased with age, with a more than threefold increase in the prevalence of nightmares in adults over 70 years of age (6.3 percent) when compared with adults between 50 and 70 years of age (1.8 percent). There was also an association with suicidal ideation, depression, and stress. A systematic review of more than 100 studies found that nightmares are more commonly reported by females than males during adolescence and young adulthood (ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1). No sex gap was present in younger children or in adults 60 years of age and older. Nightmare content and frequency, like dreams, may also vary across cultures. Fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increase in disrupted sleep and mood symptoms, including nightmares and unwanted dreams. In addition, irregular sleep-wake patterns and disrupted sleep have caused significant emotional and psychological disturbances, in many cases accompanied by more frequent nightmares.
  • #113 Nightmare Disorder – PsychDB
    https://www.psychdb.com/sleep/parasomnias/nightmare-disorder
    Nightmares may be comorbid with several medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and pain, and can accompany medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, or withdrawal from medications or substances of abuse. Nightmares frequently are comorbid with other mental disorders, including PTSD; insomnia disorder; schizophrenia; psychosis; mood, anxiety, adjustment, and personality disorders; and grief during bereavement. […] A concurrent nightmare disorder diagnosis should only be considered when in dependent clinical attention is warranted (i.e. Criteria A-C are met). Otherwise, no separate diagnosis is necessary. These conditions should be listed under the appropriate comorbid category specifier. However, nightmare disorder may be diagnosed as a separate disorder in individuals with PTSD if the nightmares are temporally unrelated to PTSD (i.e., preceding other PTSD symptoms or persisting after other PTSD symptoms have resolved).
  • #114 Nightmare Disorder – Symptoms, Causes & Treatments | Ananda
    https://ananda.ai/nightmare-disorder/?srsltid=AfmBOorT61jsSzakqkot43xda0vX3-GvDyfw7sZMUgaX4wcBWfhUEaCt
    Extensive reviews of literature have pointed out a female prevalence in the epidemiology of Nightmare Disorders. […] There is a rising prevalence of the disorder from childhood to adolescence, continuing to increase in women into adulthood as well. […] Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, other various mental disorders, refugees, and children and adolescents are typically susceptible to nightmares. […] Causative factors of Nightmare Disorder vary greatly. […] Recurrent and distressing nightmares have also been linked with medical conditions and treatments. This includes medical conditions such as heart diseases, cancer, Parkinsons, and pain, as well as procedures such as haemodialysis or medication withdrawal. […] Nightmares may be comorbid with several medical conditions, including coronary heart disease, cancer, parkinsonism, and pain, and can accompany medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, or withdrawal from medications or substances of abuse. […] Nightmares frequently are comorbid with other mental disorders, including PTSD; insomnia disorder; schizophrenia; psychosis; mood, anxiety, adjustment, and personality disorders; and grief during bereavement.
  • #115 Seeking professional help for nightmares: a representative study
    http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0213-61632013000400004
    Overall, 3.03% of the participants with at least some nightmares and/or bad dreams (N = 1022) reported that they sought professional help for coping with their nightmares. […] The statistical analysis showed that none of the socio-demographic variables affected help-seeking and only nightmare frequency and the self-rated effects of dreams on subsequent waking life were significantly associated with the probability of seeking professional help. […] About every eighth person with nightmares (cutoff: every other week or more often) sought at one time of his/her life for professional help for coping with nightmares; the contention that nightmares are undertreated is supported by this data, in particular as the percentage of successfully treated nightmare sufferers is presumably much smaller. […] To summarize, the present study indicates that nightmares are an undertreated condition. Future studies should aim at a more thorough understanding of why nightmare sufferers rarely seek help for their condition.
  • #116 Nightmares share genetic risk factors with sleep and psychiatric traits | Translational Psychiatry
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02637-6
    Nightmares are vivid, extended, and emotionally negative or negative dreams that awaken the dreamer. […] frequent nightmares often reflect underlying pathologies of emotional regulation. […] insomnia, depression, anxiety, or alcohol use have been associated with nightmares in epidemiological and clinical studies. […] the connection between nightmares and their comorbidities are poorly understood. […] Our findings suggest that nightmares share genetic background with psychiatric traits and that insomnia may increase an individuals liability to experience frequent nightmares. […] Given the significant correlations with psychiatric and psychological traits, it is essential to grow awareness of how nightmares affect health and disease and systematically collect information about nightmares, especially from clinical samples and larger cohorts.