The cortex is the part of our brain that interprets and organizes information received when we are awake and conscious. When we sleep, random signals are sent from the base of the brain, the pons to the cortex, via the thalamus. The cortex attempts to interpret these signals and creates a story that is a dream. The story may be pleasant or unpleasant. An unpleasant dream is called a nightmare.

FACT 1: All dreams including nightmares occur in the latter part of sleep. If the dream is a nightmare, the sleeper awakens experiencing strong feelings of terror, fear, distress or anxiety. The sleeper is able to recall the dream.

FACT 2: The period of sleep in which nightmares occur is the Rapid Eye Movement (period). This period occurs in most mammals and birds, but not in reptiles or other cold blooded animals.

FACT 3: Nightmares usually start in childhood, before the age of ten. They occur more often in girls than in boys. Nightmares are considered normal in childhood, unless they adversely affect the psycho social development of the child.

FACT 4: Many psychologists consider nightmares a normal reaction to stress. Some even opine that nightmares act as a safety valve and help in dealing with stress. However if nightmares occur frequently they may impair the social or occupational functioning of the individual. This condition is called the Dream Anxiety Disorder or Nightmare Disorder.

FACT 5: If the theme of the nightmares is repeated regularly the condition is called Repeated Nightmares. It occurs in both children and adults. In adults it exists alongside other mental disorders like anxiety and trauma.

FACT 6: Nightmares were thought to be a childhood event. However 1 in 2 adults have occasional nightmares. 2% to 8% of adults are plagued with recurring nightmares. The theme of the nightmare varies from one case to the next. However certain situation is common to most adult nightmares. Many people report dreaming about not being able to run fast enough to escape danger. Another common recurring theme is the situation of falling from a great height. People who have a traumatic experience such as an accident tend to relive the experience in the form of nightmares.

FACT 7: Night terrors are often confused with nightmares. Night terrors occur in the early stages of sleep. They are experienced as feelings, not dreams. The sleeper awakens with feelings of fear, terror or anxiety but cannot recall why they awoke.

FACT 8: Nightmares are usually spontaneous, not having a specific trigger. Sometimes they are triggered by certain actions. A late night snack for instance, increases metabolism, leading to increased brain activity during sleep. Medications like anti-depressants and narcotics also cause nightmares. Non psychological drugs like blood pressure medication are also related to nightmares.

FACT 9: Withdrawal from narcotics, alcohol and tranquillisers are known to cause nightmares. Sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and sleep apnoea are also causes of nightmares. Sometimes nightmares become a sleep disorder in themselves. The person suffers sleep deprivation and may become anxious and depressed. Fear of experiencing the nightmare may increase the anxiety. The person’s health and wellbeing are affected. Though the relationship is not fully understood, there is a connection between recurring nightmares and suicide. Treatment is necessary and should not be delayed.

FACT 10: A healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular hours and plenty of exercise is an effective antidote to nightmares. A safe comfortable sleeping space is also effective. Chronis nightmare experiences can also be treated by Imagery Rehearsal Treatment. The treatment aims to change the outcome of the dream sequence, by rehearsing a pleasant ending.