How nightmares link to real-life fears, and new research tackling post-cardiac arrest PTSD
Mar 12, 2024
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Dr. Lampros Perogamvros, a psychiatrist from the University of Geneva specializing in dreams and nightmares, explores the intriguing link between overcoming phobias and experiencing vivid nightmares about them. He delves into the complexities of how our subconscious fears manifest during sleep. Additionally, Dr. Maja Bergman shares insights from her research on treating post-cardiac arrest PTSD through mindfulness, fueled by her own heart scare, while also discussing emotional healing narratives from survivors.
Nightmares can persist even after conquering phobias, linking dreams to unresolved waking fears and trauma processing.
Mindfulness techniques show promise in alleviating post-cardiac arrest PTSD symptoms, highlighting the importance of psychological support for survivors.
Deep dives
Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning, even in seemingly healthy individuals, leading to significant physical and psychological effects. Survivors often grapple with a trauma that can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as the abrupt nature of the event challenges their sense of safety and well-being. Many survivors report symptoms such as anxiety, memory loss, and personality changes, revealing a profound psychological impact that often goes unaddressed in medical settings. Mindfulness and therapeutic support emerge as key strategies to help individuals cope, offering techniques to manage anxiety and restore a sense of normalcy.
Nightmares and Phobias
The relationship between waking fears and dreams can often manifest in the form of nightmares, even after a phobia has been treated. For instance, a woman who recently conquered her fear of spiders found herself experiencing recurrent nightmares featuring them, suggesting a connection between trauma therapy and dream content. This phenomenon may be attributed to different brain activity during sleep, with the amygdala being hyperactive while other areas responsible for rational thought are less engaged. Therapeutic approaches, such as imagery rehearsal therapy, can help individuals reshape these nightmares into more positive experiences, aiding their emotional recovery.
Impatience in Waiting Scenarios
Research indicates that impatience tends to increase as individuals near the end of a waiting period, regardless of the context of the wait. This pattern was observed across various scenarios, including waiting for election results and public transport, revealing a universal desire for closure that prompts frustration. When waiting for something with a controllable element, like a walk's end, individuals may attempt to expedite the process, amplifying their feelings of irritation when they cannot. Thus, managing expectations and perceived wait times can enhance satisfaction during these intervals.
Referee Dynamics in Sport Psychology
Shouting at referees can unexpectedly influence decision-making in sports, where research has shown that vocal complaints may yield a competitive advantage. A study analyzing umpire behavior during Major League Baseball games found that players protesting calls often affected subsequent decisions, leading to a discrepancy in strike calls against non-complaining teams. This insight suggests a complex interaction between athlete behavior and referee judgment, emphasizing the psychological dynamics at play in sports environments. Understanding this can help coaches and players manage emotions effectively while maintaining respect for officials.
If you've been cured of a phobia, say of spiders, and finally made your peace with the hairy-legged beasties in real life - why might you then start having vivid nightmares about them?
Following an email plea for an explanation of this mystery Claudia Hammond enlists Dr Lampros Perogamvros, a psychiatrist from the University of Geneva who’s done extensive research around dreams and nightmares, to help answer listener Lesley's query.
Meanwhile a new study by researchers at the USA's Columbia University is looking into the benefits of treating post-cardiac arrest PTSD with mindfulness. Claudia speaks to research scientist Dr Maja Bergman about how she was motivated to start the project by her own experience of a sudden cardiac arrest, in her thirties. We also hear from survivors via the support group Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, about their experiences and recoveries.
Joining Claudia in the studio to discuss these stories and more is Dr Peter Olusoga, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University - who also has thoughts to share on new research into athletes shouting at umpires, and what affects our levels of impatience.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Lucy Taylor
Studio Manager: Tim Heffer
Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire
Editor: Holly Squire
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