Do you really know? Why do we get nightmares?
Sep 17, 2025
Discover the surprising prevalence of nightmares among adults, with up to 85% experiencing them at some point. Dive into the science behind these vivid, distressing dreams and why they often leave us jolted awake. Learn about the different factors influencing nightmares, including age and gender. The discussion also offers coping strategies for those plagued by recurring night terrors. Unravel the mystery of what our minds are processing while we sleep—and why those monsters might just be a reflection of our daily fears.
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How Common Nightmares Are And Who Gets Them
- Between 50% and 85% of adults have occasional nightmares while 2–8% have clinically significant ones.
- Women report nightmares more often and nightmares tend to decrease with age.
How Nightmares Are Constructed In The Brain
- The hippocampus builds nightmare scenarios by mixing fear elements with benign memories.
- The amygdala then reacts as if reliving danger while the prefrontal cortex tries to calm the fear.
When Nightmares Become Overwhelming
- The prefrontal cortex usually inhibits nightmare fear and turns it into a tolerable memory.
- A nightmare becomes one when the frontal areas fail and you wake terrified as the amygdala overwhelms regulation.