A nightmare is considered a medical condition

02 December, 2012

Almost all of us has have had the frightening experience of waking up to a nightmare and again recollecting it. The reason behind the occurrence of nightmares is not known, but the emotions related to a nightmare can be anger, sadness, depression and guilt.

A NIGHTMARE is a very disturbing dream which forces us to partially awaken. The themes of the nightmare can vary widely from person to person, but the most common theme is chasing. Adults are commonly chased by humans (mostly males) whereas children are chased by some animals in their dreams. A study states that nightmares are less common in adults, but majority of children have nightmares at the age of three or four and seven or eight years.

In children, nightmares are a part of normal development and are not considered as a medical condition. The cause of getting nightmare remains uncertain, but it can be triggered by daytime stress, significant levels of fear and anxiety and traumatic life events. But some studies suggests that, those individuals who suffer from regular nightmares suffer from coexisting psychological condition.

The cause of nightmares can also be the medications or drugs you use or withdraw, the physical conditions like fever or any other illness can also lead to this disorder. Some peoples experience nightmares when they change a job, during pregnancy, or due to some financial concern. And the frequent occurrence of nightmare makes the individual more sensitive, creative, emotional and trusting than normal.

The treatment of nightmare is directly related to the source of nightmare. Children should discuss about their nightmare with their parents or guardians, and usually children do not need any treatment for this. If the child is getting frequent and very disturbing nightmares then the treatment is required. The physician have different ways of treating nightmare in children, he may draw the nightmare, fantasize change in the nightmare or talk with the frightening character, all this helps the children to feel safer.

While coming to adults, the nightmares are common due to stressful work conditions. So the treatment for it are mainly the typical relaxation exercises which includes yoga, meditation and exercises. Another promising treatment for nightmare is 'light therapy', in this therapy the light is shined in the eyes during a certain period of the night, in a distinct pattern. This makes the person to become aware of the fact that he or she was dreaming, and the dreamer gets some level of control over the events of the dream.