But adults often have nightmares too.
And sometimes they are recurring.
Perhaps you dream about being assaulted once a week.
Verywell / Laura Porter
And it can feel even scarier to fall asleep when you know youre likely to have another nightmare.
Fortunately, understanding your recurring nightmares could be the first step in addressing them.
Why Do People Have Recurring Nightmares?
While dreams have long fascinated people, little is still known about why wedream.
And theres little consensus about whether dreams havedeeper meanings.
Even less is known about nightmares.
And still, some believe nightmares are simply a sign of vivid imagination.
So why would someone have a recurring nightmare?
There are a few potential reasons.
Studies have found that sedatives, beta-blockers, and amphetamines are especially likely to cause nightmares.
In some cases, withdrawing from substances can also lead to recurring nightmares.
A 2018 study examined common nightmares in children.
A 2014 study published inSLEEPfound that adult nightmares are often similar.
After analyzing more than 10,000 dreams, researchers found most nightmares involved physical aggression of some kind.
Health issues, death, and threats were also common.
The researchers noted that fear is not always part of nightmares.
Sadness, confusion, guilt, and disgust were often present.
For example, nightmares may interfere with your romantic relationships.
These are just a few difficulties you might experience as a result of recurrent nightmares.
You might also be tired at work because you woke up several times the night before from nightmares.
Consequently, your productivity could be affected.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Treatments for Recurring Nightmares
If youre experiencing recurring nightmares, talk to your physician.
Your doctor may want to conduct a complete physical to rule out any potential medical reasons for the nightmares.
Lifestyle Changes
The treatment for recurring nightmares depends on the cause.
Sometimes, a few lifestyle changes can reduce them.
Therapists often useexposure therapyto treat PTSD, and this could decrease recurring nightmares.
Therapists may also use exposure therapy to address nightmares directly.
People also practice skills that help them better manage thoughts, emotions, and imagery related to their nightmares.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Talking to your physician or a therapist could be key to helping you get better rest.
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American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
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Washington, D.C.; 2022.
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