Nightmare?

I'm sick of waking up and wondering if what I saw in the room at the foot of the bed actually happened or not. Yes Mrs Psychologist it could have been another nightmare or night terror but what if it DID happen? Makes my spine tingle.

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Hi. What do you think you saw at the bottom of the bed?

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Oh mate, I've had night terrors for years and sometimes it seems so real! I was sure I saw the dark outline of an elderly man when I stayed in the guest room at the sheltered housing where my mum lives.

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Ok. Well first it has to be cleared up about what the condition is you are describing. What is known as 'night terrors' is normally a condition of childhood and fades away by the age of about 12 or so. In adults it is most common in the 20-35 age range, but again it usually fades. It is very difficult to tell the difference between night terror and nightmare.

In adults with night terror there is usually one or more other psychological conditions observed in the individual e.g anxiety or ocd, thus linking them.

Studies have shown that influences which may affect this condition are things like, sleep deprivation, erratic sleeping habits, genetics, fever and some medications.

The usual treatment is advice on sleeping habits coupled with therapy if necessary. Medication is not usually prescribed.

Nightmares are just that - dreams that can cause terror and fear. For people like me there is a link between waking life and nightmares. But nightmares and night terrors are not the same thing. I hope this might help in some small way.

Karl

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Thanks for your helpful reply Karl. I've been seeing a psychologist and having a lot of CBT due to numerous reasons built up over the years. I do indeed suffer from anxiety but the anxiety has worsened since I had a really extreme experience around 4 years ago. It was almost paranormal in nature and the memory of it has become a traumatic one that causes symptoms.

After extensive discussion over a couple of years, my psychiatric team have concluded that it's hard to say if I'm having terrors or extreme nightmares. They think the former as the main things I describe are physical experiences.

I've got good coping techniques now but it still really scares me!! Even now, on a bus recollecting it, I am having shudders down my spine and anxiety.

Sharon

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Hi Sharon

Thanks for the additional info. I have a better understanding now. My understanding is that your stress may be at least partly responsible for this condition, and I see you have hinted at some kind of difficulties in the past which may also have a contributory effect.

Like anxiety, this condition may have triggers that cause an emotional reaction leading to your sleep disturbance. As a therapist myself I am always interested in getting to the bottom of psychological illnesses. So its good that you are having therapy, which should help in the long term.

Karl

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After a CBT booster session, I've been provided with strategies to deal with the nightmares. So far so good!

Interesting to know you're a therapist too, it's a fascinating field of work. I love watching films and dramas that focus on psychiatric subjects.

Take care