Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that can cause feelings of fear, anxiety, or terror. They often occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep and can be influenced by various factors such as stress, trauma, or medications.
Related terms
Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders refer to a range of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns and can contribute to frequent nightmares.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can result from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may experience recurrent nightmares related to their past trauma.
Lucid dreaming is when a person becomes aware that they are dreaming while still in the dream state. It is possible to influence or control the content of dreams, including reducing the occurrence of nightmares through techniques like lucid dreaming.