Short Wave What's Up With Nightmares?
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Nov 21, 2025 In this engaging discussion, sleep scientist Michelle Carr, from the University of Montreal and author of *Nightmare Obscura*, delves into the intriguing world of dreams and nightmares. She explains the stages of sleep and how REM phases create our most vivid experiences. Learn how nightmares are often linked to trauma and stress. Discover innovative therapies like imagery rehearsal and the potential of wearables to manage dreams. Michelle also touches on lucid dreaming, offering strategies for dream agency that can empower us in our sleep!
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Car-Out-Of-Control Nightmare Example
- Regina Barber describes a recurring nightmare of being unable to control a car and sitting in the back seat.
- Michelle Carr responds that that theme is very common and relates to reduced bodily sensation of control during sleep.
REM Drives Vivid Emotional Dreams
- Sleep has four stages that cycle each night and REM produces the most vivid, emotional dreams.
- REM shows brain activity similar to wakefulness, which explains intense dream imagery and feelings.
Sleep Helps Unload Daytime Emotion
- Sleep helps reduce the emotional intensity attached to daytime experiences and memories.
- Michelle Carr says this nightly process lets us 'let go' of distress so we handle the next day better.
