Understanding and Treating Nightmares: A Comprehensive Review of Psychosocial Strategies for Adults and Children.
Cureus September 1, 2024 Namita Sahu, Pradeep S Patil, Asmita - et al. 2 citations
Nightmares affect 50-85% of children and 5-10% of adults, causing significant distress and sleep disruption. Addressing these troubling dreams is crucial for mental health. Effective treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), which focus on changing negative thought patterns and emotional responses. These psychosocial interventions have shown to reduce nightmare frequency and intensity, improving overall sleep quality. By targeting the cognitive and emotional roots of nightmares, these strategies can enhance the quality of life for individuals across all ages.