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
Recurring nightmares are vivid and distressing dreams that occur repeatedly over a period of time, often leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Related terms
Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders refer to a group of conditions that affect the quality, timing, or amount of sleep an individual gets. Examples include insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy.
Dream analysis is a therapeutic approach where psychologists interpret the content and symbolism of dreams to gain insight into an individual's unconscious thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be effective in treating recurring nightmares by addressing underlying fears and anxieties.