Question 1

what causes nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Nightmares = dreams: Ightmares are simply dreams. In the theoretical aveerage person who sleeps 8 hrs a night you have 4 rem or sleep cycles. Rem or rapid eye movement is the deepest stage of sleep when we dream. Although each cycle is about the same we spend more time in rem in the last two cycles so we often rembers dreams or nightmares from the early morning. It is  not clear why we dream any specific topic.

Question 2

why do i get nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Many possibilities: Talk with your psychiatrist or therapist about this.  Some medications can cause nightmares, as well as certain other substances like alcohol.  Additionally, inner conflict, stressful situations, or emotional trauma can lead to nightmares.  Nightmares may serve as a release valve of sorts, for things that you're troubled by and are trying to work out.

Question 3

how can i stop nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Eval first: Please seek evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist may shed light on the matter.  Sometimes a polysomnogram is required to assess isolated sleep problems.

Question 4

why do people get  nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Nightmares: Nightmares frequently happen in post-traumatic stress disorder, but also in 20-40% of kids between age 5-12 without any psychopathology. Creative people with "thin boundaries" on psychological tests may have them.  Medications like antidepressants, certain antihypertensives, antiparkinsonian drugs, & barbiturates can cause nightmares; also withdrawal from alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines.

Question 5

what causes nightmares in kids?

Accepted Answer

Stress and anxiety: Nightmares are sleep disruptions that include frightening content and are especially common in early childhood.  Often these experiences are influenced by stressors that occur during waking hours.  The course and development of nightmares are largely dependent on developmental level and are present throughout childhood (journal of clinical child psychology, 2000).

Question 6

what can be done for nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Therapy or med: Psychotherapy can help identify the underlying cause of the nightmares and help improve the problem. Imagery rehearsal therapy is a treatment that specifically is used to help bad dreams/nightmares. Prazosin is an older blood pressure medication that is used off-label to help with bad dreams and nightmares, especially in those with ptsd. See your doctor for more assistance.

Question 7

i am having nightmares - what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Consider: talking with a therapist. Minipress (prazosin) can be used off-label to help with nightmares.

Question 8

please help! what helps with nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Start with a: Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This can address possible underlying medical issues. Psychotherapy can be helpful. Treating any underlying psychiatric illnesses is critical (i.e., depression or ptsd). Prazosin is used off label for nightmares and can be very beneficial. Sometimes a sleep study ; sleep medicine referral is indicated. Take care.

Question 9

my medicenis causing me ti have nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Nightmares: You don't mention which medications. You should consult with your doctor about your medications side effects.

Question 10

boyfriend has nightmares? what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Be gentle with him: Be gentle with him if he's waking up at night with these -- and cautious if he's agitated and flailing in bed.  Encourage him to get help if these are recurrent, as it sounds like they are.  Nightmares can result from traumatic experiences being relived and released in sleep. He may need evaluation and help for their source.  This is available through psychiatrists, psychologists, and others.

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