Do you ever find yourself have the same dream over and over? One that is quite distressing and freaks you out, leaving you wondering what it means for days after? You are not alone, as 60-75% of Americans experience these "recurring" dreams. They are a part of normal sleep for most people, but their content can be the most distressing part of them, causing sleep loss and anxiety revolving around sleep. 

Certain disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can often have these dreams at a level that is extremely distressing because it relates to something over which they feel stressed. Continue reading to find out more about what these dreams mean, and what you can do if they are negatively impacting your sleep.

Nightmares and night terrors may easily be confused with one another because they share some similar features. They both can be frightening and cause trouble going back to sleep and/or staying asleep. But it's important to understand the difference between them as they are two different events. This can really impact how they are both treated as well. Continue reading to find out more about these two different sleeping events and what do do about them. 

What are Nightmares

Many of us have had nightmares, vivid dreams that cause feelings of fear, terror, anxiety, etc. Especially vivid or terrifying nightmares usually result in abruptly awakening from REM sleep with distinct memories of the dream. Returning to sleep after these experiences can be difficult and the nightmares are often remembered the next morning as well.

Have you ever witnessed your child or spouse's nightmare or night terror? It may have been just as scary for you as it was for them. The words "helpless" and "heartbreaking" are often used to describe these episodes. Being able to distinguish the difference between a nightmare and a night terror will help you better understand what is happening with your loved one and how you can help. Here are the differences between night terrors and nightmares.

What are nightmares?

We’ve all had nightmares, vivid dreams that cause feelings of fear, terror, anxiety, etc. Especially vivid or terrifying nightmares usually result an abrupt awakening from REM sleep with distinct memories of the dream. Returning to sleep after these experience can be difficult, and the nightmares are often remembered the next morning as well.

Naturally, children and adults react differently to nightmares. Anyone who has had a child wake up in the middle of the night screaming in terror can attest to this. For one, adults rarely have this reaction. Secondly, as a parent, it’s both scary and distressing to watch your child go through this, especially when it seems impossible to console your child.

Nightmares in children are most common in children who are 3-6 because these are the ages in which imagination is extremely active and children develop normal fears develop [WebMD].

Nightmares and Night Terrors Also Terrifying for Bystanders

Have you been witness to your child or spouse's nightmare or night terror? It may have been just as scary for you as it was for them. The words "helpless" and "heartbreaking" come to mind. Being able to distinguish the difference between a nightmare and a night terror will help you better understand: