“I’m afraid to fall asleep again”: what people suffering from nightmares see

Causes

Experts identify the following causes of nightmares:

• stress;
• post-traumatic syndrome;
• complexes and fears;
• overeating before bed;
• some chronic diseases;
• use of drugs, alcohol;
• physical and psycho-emotional overload;
• uncomfortable environment (noise, light);
• breathing problems;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• taking certain medications;
• sleepwalking;
• heredity.

Scary to sleep

Sometimes nightmares are accompanied by intense panic attacks. A person may scream, gasp, or thrash around during sleep. Sometimes such actions frighten the sufferer more than a nightmare.

“Sometimes I find myself screaming horribly in the middle of the night, and I find it hard to believe that I can scream so loudly. The next morning my throat hurts... I wouldn’t be able to scream like that even during the day if I tried,” shares a user named Joshua.

However, screaming is a relatively harmless part of the nightmare. It’s much more scary when a person sleeping suddenly begins to behave like someone who is awake. A person can talk, laugh, cry while sleeping, rearrange things on the nightstand, put on and take off shoes.

Doctors call this behavior parasomnia. It is defined as a disorder that causes unusual behavior during sleep. Usually a somnambulist walks, eats or talks with his eyes open, but without awareness of what is happening.

If left unchecked, parasomnia can be very traumatic. On social networks, a girl under the nickname Jen retells the story in horror: “Yesterday my mother called me. She was rushed to hospital after a nightmare caused her to jump out of bed and hit the wall. She now has seven surgical staples in her head!”

“I’m afraid to fall asleep again”2

Photo: Global Look Press/imago-images/Ute Grabowsky

Treatment

As a rule, you can cope with nightmares without the use of medications, but with the help of communication with a psychologist.

However, the treatment program depends on the identified causes of nightmares. Often, to normalize sleep, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease (apnea, alcoholism, drug addiction).

When treating nightmares, taking sleeping pills, hormonal drugs (melatonin), and natural sedatives (valerian, lemon balm, etc.) may be indicated.

Where does the fear of falling asleep come from?

The disorder is caused by the fear of losing control. When falling asleep, a person loses the ability to control sensations in the body and events around.

The fear of falling asleep comes from ancient times. Primitive people perceived the sleeping period as a danger of being eaten by predators or killed by enemy tribes, and losing property.

In the animal world, large predators have the deepest sleep, since the threat to them from other animals is minimal. The deep phase in carnivorous mammals accounts for 37% of total sleep, and in small rodents it is 3%.

The causes of hypnophobia or, as it is also called, clinophobia, somniphobia, are varied.

1. Children's fears, formed under the influence of watching horror films or hearing horror stories. The child's psyche poorly distinguishes the imagined from the real, and has increased suggestibility. Therefore, children often make frightening scenes from films so realistic that fictional horror films accompany the child in his dreams and in reality. As for the horror stories they hear, a rich child’s imagination can very vividly reflect in the minds and frighten children more than what they see. It all depends on children's imagination. Fears acquired in childhood can accompany a person into adulthood if they are not stopped in time.
2. Nightmarish dreams that take away a person’s desire to sleep.
3. A stressful event experienced while asleep. The man fell out of bed in a sleepy state and was very frightened. Subsequently, he developed a fear of sleep.
4. In impressionable people with a developed imagination, a phobia appears after communicating with a hypnophobe. The patient tells the interlocutor about his fears. The suggestible person easily transfers them to himself. At night, the imagination intensifies significantly, giving rise to absurd, frightening fantasies.
5. Clinophobia manifests itself as a result of saving time. A person is afraid to fall asleep because he believes that he will waste time, will not have time to cope with important matters, or will lose the opportunity to have fun.
6. There are specific causes of clinophobia. For example, the mother of a newborn child is afraid to fall asleep, as she will lose the ability to watch her still helpless baby.
7. A common cause of somniphobia is fear of death. This is especially true for people with cardiovascular diseases. The fear of having a stroke or heart attack while sleeping is so strong that a person is afraid to fall asleep. In a sleeping state, people are deprived of the ability to control what is happening. Obviously, it is this fact that provokes the fear that the patient will not be able to feel painful sensations and take the necessary measures, and, as a result of unprovided medical measures, will die in his sleep.
8. The fear of being buried alive arises from the fear of falling into lethargic sleep. This state is characterized as deep sleep of a long duration, during which the body supposedly independently supports vital functions, and nothing threatens it. However, the person sleeps so soundly that it is impossible to wake him up. Breathing and heartbeat are so weakly expressed that they are sometimes difficult to detect. As a result, the sleeper is declared dead, which creates a fear of intravital burial. Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol suffered from a similar phobia.

In his youth, the great writer suffered from malaria, which led to encephalitis. The brain inflammation was cured, but the consequences of the disease remained with the writer for life. Nikolai Vasilyevich periodically experienced severe fainting, followed by deep sleep. The writer was terribly afraid that during such a dream he would be considered dead and buried alive.

There is a legend that N.V.’s fears Gogol was still justified. It happened as follows. The writer loved his friend's wife very much. After the woman's death, he was so depressed that he fell asleep, and so deeply that he fell into a lethargic sleep. Gogol was mistaken for dead and buried. These data were allegedly confirmed during the excavation of the body during the restoration of the cemetery. The buried person was in an unnatural position, and his clothes were torn. In reality, such an incident did not happen; it was made up.

It is worth reassuring to some extent those who are afraid of lethargic sleep. In fact, this is a fictitious concept and is rejected by official medicine. There is a term “lethargy”, meaning weakness, malaise, loss of strength. However, it develops as a result of lack of sleep.

Prevention

As preventive measures, doctors recommend:

• establish sleep and wakefulness patterns;
• improve sleep conditions (silence and darkness in the bedroom, regular ventilation);
• avoid stressful situations;
• do not overeat before bedtime;
• limit alcohol consumption (especially in the evening);
• do not abuse caffeine (no more than two cups of tea or coffee per day);

Most people have experienced various sleep disorders, including nightmares. If all this negatively affects your quality of life, seek help from a medical specialist. The doctor will identify the cause of the disorder and select an effective treatment program.

Night terrors

K.Yu.Mukhin

Night terrors (NS) or pavor nocturnus is a paroxysmal non-epileptic disorder that occurs during the slow-wave sleep phase and is manifested by a complex of psychomotor and autonomic disorders followed by amnesia. Nightmares, unlike night terrors, occur during the REM phase of sleep, manifest as frightening dreams and are not amnesiac. According to the modern classification of sleep disorders, night terrors are classified as parasomnias or disorders of awakening from slow-wave sleep (5). Parasomnias also include sleepwalking, nocturnal cluster headache, chronic nocturnal paroxysmal hemicrania, nocturnal yactation (jactacio capitis nocturna). The concept of parasomnias was proposed by Gastaut & Broughton in 1965 (3). The authors identified 3 most important features characteristic of this group of diseases:

• paroxysmal onset soon after falling asleep, • sleep interruption, • occurring exclusively during the slow-wave sleep phase.

Subsequent studies using video-EEG monitoring and polysomnography proved the non-epileptic nature of parasomnias and the absence of their relationship with epilepsy (1, 2).

In the etiology of night fears, the hereditary factor is recognized as the leading one. Autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance is assumed (5). Among relatives of probands suffering from night terrors, cases of various forms of parasomnia, mainly sleepwalking, are often found. Some authors pay attention to exogenous factors in the occurrence of night fears, in particular, the presence of a chronic traumatic situation (4). Psychological testing of children suffering from night terrors rarely reveals increased levels of anxiety and aggressiveness.

The prevalence of night terrors is not precisely known. Most studies report an incidence of 1 to 3% in populations of children aged 1 to 14 years (1, 5).

Clinic The disease begins in childhood in a wide age range from several months to 15 years. Night terrors debut with maximum frequency at the age of 5–7 years, with some predominance in boys. Clinical manifestations of night terrors are typical and stereotypical. A triad of symptom complexes is characteristic: mental, motor and vegetative. A child's sleep is suddenly interrupted by a cry, usually 30 to 60 minutes after falling asleep. He sits up in bed; there is a grimace of fear on his face. Possible psychomotor agitation, chill-like hyperkinesis, visual hallucinations of frightening content. When the mother tries to calm, hug or put the child to bed, the patient does not recognize her and pushes her away. It is not possible to make contact with the child. Autonomic disorders are observed: tachycardia, tachypnea, mydriasis. The duration of the attack varies from 30 seconds to 10 - 15 minutes, averaging 2 - 5 minutes. After the end of the attack or upon awakening in the morning, these conditions are amnesic. The frequency of attacks is extremely variable from several paroxysms during one night to single ones over the entire period of the disease. In general, NS is characterized by a high frequency of attacks.

A routine neurological examination reveals no pathology, and intelligence is always preserved. Neurotic traits of personality development are often stated.

Video-EEG monitoring and polysomnographic research are of utmost importance in diagnosing night terrors. An EEG study does not reveal epileptic activity, either in the interictal period or during an attack. Polysomnography clearly shows the occurrence of paroxysms exclusively in the slow-wave sleep phase, usually in stages 3-4 (6). During night terrors, the EEG may show generalized symmetrical hypersynchronous delta activity, different from slow-wave sleep patterns. Some authors note a disturbance in the structure of sleep during night terrors (especially in the first 30–60 minutes after falling asleep): shortening of the slow-wave phase and lengthening of REM sleep (5). Differential diagnosis should be made with other parasomnias and with partial forms of epilepsy. During complex partial epileptic paroxysms, the affect of fear is less pronounced and motor symptoms predominate. The EEG often shows a regional peak - wave activity, usually in the frontal or temporal leads.

Treatment In cases of rare, episodic night terrors that occur exclusively during periods of emotional stress or during fever, no treatment is required. Treatment is prescribed for frequent night fears that cause anxiety in the patient or his parents, as well as when clinical symptoms of the disease persist after 15 years of age. The drug of choice is diazepam (Sibazone, Valium, Seduxen). Diazepam is prescribed orally in an average dose of 2.5 - 5 mg once at night. It is possible to use nitrazepam (radedorm) 2.5 - 5 mg at night or clonazepam (antelepsin, rivotril) 0.5 - 2 mg at night, which are highly effective in relieving NS, but also highly toxic. In some cases, a positive effect can be achieved by prescribing phenibut at a dose of 250-500 mg once at night (the drug has minimal side effects). The duration of the course of drug therapy varies from 1-2 to 6 months. The use of antiepileptic drugs is contraindicated! Individual or family psychotherapy may be used (4).

The forecast for night terrors is absolutely favorable. In the vast majority of cases, the disease goes away on its own after 15 years. In some patients, rare episodes of NS persist at a young age and do not require treatment. Cases of transformation of the NS into sleepwalking have been described.

Literature:

1. Badalyan L.O., Temin P.A., Zavadenko N.N. Awakening disorders in children: night terrors and sleepwalking. Journal of Neuropathology and Psychiatry named after. S.S. Korsakov. - 1991. - T. 91. - N 8. - P. 108 - 111.

2. Diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children ed. P.A. Temin, M.Yu. Nikanorova, M. - 1997. - p. 476 - 486.

3. Gastaut H., Broughton RJ A clinical and polygraphic study of episodic phenomena during sleep Biol. Psychiatry. - 1965. - V. 7. - p. 197-221.

4. Hurwitz TD, Mahowald MW, Schenck Ch. Et al A retrospective outcome study and review of hypnosis as treatment of adults with sleep walking and sleep terror — J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. - 1991. - V. 179. - p. 228 - 233.

5. Masand P., Popli AP, Weilburg GB Sleepwalking Am. Fam. Physi-cian. - 1995. - V. 51. - N 3. - p. 49-54.

6. The treatment of epilepsy Ed. E. Willie. - Philadelphia, 1993. - p. 698-702.

What to do during such an attack of fear

So, if there is an attack of sudden fear, then you can use a folk remedy that has already helped many, such as breathing exercises. It helps to significantly relax, and also come to a state of complete calm and balance.

To completely eliminate the manifestation of such a syndrome, it is necessary to make rare and deep breathing movements. The exhalation should be twice as long as the inhalation. Such people must learn to “breathe with their belly” using the diaphragm.

You can also use a method such as breathing into a bag. You should take a paper bag and take a long breath, and then hold your breath for about 8 seconds and very slowly, moderately exhale all the air again into the bag. Breathing into the bag usually continues for about 5-8 minutes.

What are childhood nightmares?

Night terrors in children, like nightmares, are not fiction or a figment of fantasy. Nightmares manifest themselves in the form of terrible hallucinations of physiological origin. If the child’s brain is overexcited and does not enter the inhibition stage, then a state of increased mental excitability occurs.

A third of all children suffering from this disorder exhibit high levels of movement activity during sleep. They twitch and wave their arms and legs, get out of bed, walk, and in some cases run away. Everything happens involuntarily; when they wake up, the children do not remember about it. Therefore, they must be protected from unexpected injuries.

Sometimes nightmares can develop into a pathological disorder such as sleepwalking or parasomnia.

Nightmares occur due to the imperfection of the child’s central nervous system. But sometimes they can indicate the presence of certain pathologies. Sleep disturbance can occur as a result of various stressful situations for the child, for example, severe fear, changes in the daily routine, etc.

A full bladder can also trigger night terrors. There are many reasons for the disorder, ranging from uncoordinated physical and mental development to serious diseases of some internal organs.

We should not forget that nightmares can be caused by the development of a mental disorder. A competent specialist will help determine the cause, he will prescribe the correct treatment and undergo rehabilitation.

Adviсe

How parents should behave depends on many factors. First of all, you need to find out what kind of childhood night terrors torment the little person.

It is important to ask the child what kind of night terror haunts him, who the main characters are in it. You need to calm the child down, show that adults are always with him, they are ready to help at any moment.

It is worth explaining to the child that there are no monsters in reality. Parents don't buy the toy they want - the children get upset. This situation may haunt them in their dreams. Here you just need to minimize the amount of stress during the day and sort out the difficulties.

Adults are advised not to watch scary movies or cartoons with their children, not to read scary fairy tales, and not to turn on the news before bed. This information is alarming.

If necessary, you can leave a night light or the door ajar. The child's night terrors will not go away quickly, but he will be able to calm down as soon as possible. It is important for a little person to realize that there is no threat to his life.

There is no need to overload your baby with circles and sections. Due to his age, he needs a lot of time for games and entertainment, this is how he explores the world and learns.

You can buy your child a dream catcher and tell him about its purpose. Experts also recommend using amulets that have protective properties. It is necessary to monitor your child’s sleep patterns; it is important that sleep is adjusted. It’s good if the baby has the opportunity to sleep during the day and relax in the car during a trip to kindergarten.

A quiet and comfortable environment helps to get rid of children's night fears. There is no need to disturb the child while he is sleeping. It is forbidden to make loud volumes on the radio and TV; all noisy household appliances must be turned off. Ideally, adults should talk to each other in a low voice or whisper at night.

Showing concern for your child, devoting more time to him, listening to your child’s problems is another way to overcome children’s night terrors.

What kind of nightmares do you have?

Bad dreams come to a person who is in deep sleep (rapid phase), usually in the second half of the night, in the morning. This period is easy to recognize by the rapidly moving eyes of a sleeping person.

Categories of scary dreams include:

• Pursuit, flight from danger.
• Fear of heights, falling.
• Serious illnesses, death of one’s own or of friends and relatives.
• Natural disasters and destruction.
• Mystical creatures, paranormal phenomena.
• A tragedy or terrible event experienced in real life.

The nightmare of losing loved ones is a fairly common type of nightly dream.

After such dreams, a person cannot sleep, feels weak, tired, unwell, and is haunted by daytime sleepiness and mild attacks of depression. All these symptoms worsen the quality of life. But they disappear after a sound and restful sleep.

If nightmares are regular, then serious diseases and disorders of the body are added to the above symptoms:

• Severe depressive state.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Excess weight to obesity.

Causes of nightmares in adults

Half of the adult population of the planet sometimes has nightmares at night, especially for the fairer sex. There are several factors that influence healthy sleep:

• Various stressful situations and shocks.
• Eat a large meal before bed.
• Fatigue caused by lack of sleep.
• Taking medications (side effects) or stopping them (if addictive).
• Alcohol intoxication.
• Depressive state.
• Increased body temperature, high fever and chills (with colds).
• Briefly holding your breath during sleep (apnea)
• Restless legs syndrome (pain that causes involuntary soothing movements during sleep, disrupting the natural sleep cycle).

Psychologists say that bad dreams are seen by people with an unstable psyche, emotionally unbalanced, easily wounded and creative people.

Post-traumatic stress

One of the main causes of incessant nightmares in adults is called post-traumatic shock. Difficult life situations lead to a stressful state, such as the death of loved ones, various disasters, life-threatening conditions, any injuries received and many other phenomena that are difficult to experience and leave strong emotional shocks.

After suffering a severe psychological impact on the body, the brain tries to cope with the situation that has arisen; to do this, it “replays” past events in a dream. So it helps to get rid of problems and accept a fait accompli, thereby maintaining physical and spiritual health.

Post-traumatic stress is often called “Afghan syndrome.” It is observed in many men who took part in military operations in Afghanistan. Often nightmares are one of the symptoms of this syndrome.

Lack of sleep, constant fatigue, daytime quarrels and scandals are also dangerous for the human psyche. Constant irritations at home and at work lead to emotional distress and the fear of bad dreams. For these reasons, adults are more likely than children to suffer from such disorders.

In case of prolonged regular nightmares that last for two weeks or more, it is necessary to urgently seek qualified help.