In people with PTSD, during REM sleep norepinephrine and serotonin levels remain high, reducing the brain's ability to inhibit fear-expression neurons through neural rhythms sent between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Those with PTSD require higher frequency rhythms to extinguish fear memories. Researchers say unlocking the higher frequencies via therapies could help to restore quality sleep in those with PTSD.
Rehearsing positive versions of frequent nightmares before sleep and playing noises associated with positive daytime experiences during sleep helps reduce nightmare frequency, a new study reports.
Middle-aged people who experience at least one nightmare a week are four times more likely to experience cognitive decline during the following decade. Older adults who experience weekly nightmares are twice as likely to develop dementia. The association is much stronger for men than women.
Older adults who frequently experience bad dreams or nightmares are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a new study reports.
Having difficulty getting to sleep, in addition to ruminating about trauma experiences and other negative events before sleep, boosts the odds of sexual trauma survivors experiencing post-trauma nightmares.
Researchers discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the quality and content of people's dreams. The stress we are experiencing may be manifesting in our dream content as we sleep.
A sleep researcher shares the secrets for training your brain to experience lucid dreams.
Researchers propose a variety of therapeutic approaches and medications to help combat adult nightmare disorder.
Do you have recurring nightmares where you are being attacked, chased or falling? Researchers report your dreams may be a reflection of frustrations you experience in daily life.
Researchers report that while sleep disruptions contribute to a number of psychological disorders, it appears only nightmares are associated with increased risk of self harming behaviors.
A worsening of suicidal thoughts in young people has been linked to sleep disturbances. Participants of the new study who reported lots of variation of when they fall asleep also reported more incidences of insomnia and nightmares, which also lower the threshold for suicidal ideations.
A new study reports the relationship between suicidal thoughts and nightmares is mediated by feelings of defeat, entrapment and hopelessness.