Understanding nightmares and potential treatments

In this episode, Dr. Eric Prather delves into the topic of nightmares and their potential relationship with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He explains that nightmares are high arousal dreams with distressing content, often associated with increased heart rate and breathing rate. Chronic nightmares are more prevalent among individuals who have experienced trauma, which may be linked to REM fragmentation during sleep. Dr. Prather discusses image rehearsal therapy (IRT) as a behavioral treatment for chronic nightmares, involving the rehearsal of changing the outcome of specific nightmare scenarios. This therapy aims to provide individuals with greater control over their nightmares, reducing distress and improving sleep quality. Further research is ongoing to better understand nightmares and develop effective treatments. Stay tuned for the next episode, where Dr. Prather will explore how traveling affects sleep and share tips to beat jet lag.