A recurring nightmare is defined as an unpleasant dream that is repeated over and over again across a long period of time, and sometimes they are recurring. Understanding your recurring nightmares could be the first step in addressing them. Verywell / Laura Porter When we think of nightmares, we often associate these bad dreams with kids who fear monsters under the bed or things that lurk in the dark.
Potential Causes
While dreams have fascinated people, little is known about why we dream.
The Toll Recurring Nightmares Can Have on You
They can take a serious toll on your emotional, physical, occupational, and social well-being.
- Link to suicide: A 2014 study found a link between recurring nightmares and suicide in war veterans
- Sleep deprivation: Nightmares tend to wake people up and make it hard to fall back asleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation
- Low mood: Nightmares have been associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances
Treatments
Talk to your physician if you have recurring nightmares
- A doctor may want to conduct a complete physical to rule out any potential medical reasons for the nightmares.
- Your physician may also recommend referral to a therapist who can assist in improving your sleep, address any underlying mental health issues, and reduce your nightmares.
Nightmare Disorder
Some individuals with recurring nightmares may qualify for a diagnosis of “nightmare disorder.”
- Nightmare disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by: Recurrent episodes of well-remembered dreams that typically involve efforts to avoid threats to survival or physical integrity
- Rapid alertness upon waking from the nightmare
- Significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning
A Word From Verywell
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talking to your physician or a therapist could be key to helping you get better rest.
Common Nightmare Themes
While nightmares can be about anything, researchers have found that there are some common themes to nightmares.
- A 2018 study examined common nightmares in children. The researchers discovered that children’s nightmares often involved being chased, physical aggression, or the death or injury of a loved one.6
- A 2014 study published in SLEEP found that adult nightmares are often similar.
