When do nightmares become a "serious problem" that should be looked at by a higher authority?

Question:

I have recurring nightmares that won't go away. I have a few in a week. They become worse when there is somone else in the bed, but when we are not touching. I don't have nightmares when the person sleeping next to me has any sort of physical contact. I will always have a nightmare when we are not touching, but when I am sleeping alone in a bed, I may or may not have nightmares. I'm not sure if it's a bad thing that I have more than just a few, but I'm not willing to talk to a doctor or phsyciatrist until I have to. A few months ago, when I was living in the college dorms for the 2nd semester, I would have about 6 nightmares in one night, every night for about a month or more. I would like to know if this is a seriuos problem, or just something I should learn to live with. And please don't suggest sleeping pills. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answers:
Rainbubble,

Nightmares can really be a pain in the butt, not only do they cause you stress and panic because of the actual imagery but they also cause you to lose valuable sleep which is important for your mental and physical well being. Without knowing what your dreams involve its hard to tell you what to do. I would suggest seeing a therapist or psychologist (doesn't have to be PhD or M.D.). My concern comes from the root of the problem. Many nightmares are not based in reality, they tend to be irrational (ie being chased by killer clowns) but some are based in reality (such as physical, mental or sexual abuse). The later may be your brain's way of dealing with a traumatic event that either you are aware of or are repressing. This is a case in which should definitely seek help because many therapists can provide coping strategies to help you deal with this and there is no reason to suffer in silence. I wish you the best of luck in either case.

Other Answers:
sleeping pills can actually make it worse...you should gage how bad the nightmares are each night...if you think the nightmares could be caused by a past trauma, then a psychologist should be contacted...other wise diet can be affecting you at night...a healthier diet eases you body and mind.

when least four nights in row.. that means your self caution is trying to tell you something

My opinion is that now IS the time to see a phsyciatrist.

Dreams are your the tool your subconscious uses to work out problems. If your dreams are this bad, it would seem that you have some scary unresolved issues. If I were you, I'd see a counselor or shrink to talk out these issues so you can once again have restful sleep. Good luck!

When their chronic (on-going, like every 2-3 days and interrupt your sleep). Also, when their considered "Night Terrors"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_terror

Going to a sleep clinic may help.

Good luck.

I would really start with your doctor. I believe it depends on whats happening or happened in your life that is causing your mind to react while sleeping, some people believe this some don't. However if your under a lot of stress, or maybe something happened when you were young that you have not dealt with, something you put in the back of your mind and try not to think about. Hope you get some help because you have got to be tired out with it, I know one nitemare or night terror is enough for me. I have never had a night terror but I think just mostly children have those (not real sure) hope this helps and I hope you get to the bottom of your problem.

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When do nightmares become a "serious problem" that should be looked at by a higher authority?

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