Nightmares are a disturbing situation that many people encounter from time to time in their lives. These bad dreams not only disrupt sleep quality but can also increase anxiety and stress levels in daily life. However, scientists seem to have made significant progress with their long-standing studies on whether there is a way to stop nightmares.
A recent study focused on 36 patients diagnosed with nightmare disorder and found that the way our minds deal with bad dreams can be changed. This study shows that two main therapy methods may be effective in reducing nightmares. The first of these therapies is to rewrite nightmares and then play a sound that our brain can associate with a positive experience.
Rewriting Nightmares
The basic idea of this therapy method is that you can change how someone’s dreams come true by playing a single chord on the piano. Researchers have used imagery rehearsal therapy to get patients to rewrite their worst and most frequent nightmares. This method involves patients rehearsing the nightmare by repeatedly telling them a rewritten version of their nightmare.
- Goal: To stop nightmares by writing new stories on them.
- Application: Patients reimagine their nightmares with a happier ending.
This method has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares in some patients. However, it should be noted that this treatment may not be effective for everyone. Since each individual’s dream world is unique, it should be taken into consideration that different people may react differently.
Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR)
The second stage of these therapies is the “Targeted memory reactivation” (TMR) method. TMR is a technique that uses sounds to activate certain stimuli during sleep. By combining TMR with imagery rehearsal therapy, researchers aimed to enable patients with nightmares to recall the rewritten version of their nightmares.
This method works very effectively in stopping nightmares.
| Group | Starting Nightmare Issue | The Last Nightmare Issue |
|---|---|---|
| TMR Group | 2.94 | 0.19 |
| Control Group | 2.58 | 1.02 |
In the table above, the dramatic decrease in the number of nightmares of the TMR group is noteworthy. While individuals in this group started with an average of 2.94 nightmares per week, this number decreased to approximately 0.19. In the control group, the nightmare rate, which was 2.58 at the beginning, decreased to 1.02 afterwards. It has been stated that the TMR group reported an increase in happier dreams overall, which is a positive development for many people.
In summary, although these therapy methods do not completely stop nightmares, they manage to significantly reduce them. This study, in which 36 people participated, was noted as a development that improved the quality of life of individuals. Reducing nightmares helps patients have a peaceful sleep experience and also reduces stress levels in their daily lives. These treatment methods may allow many more people to get rid of their nightmares in the future.
Sources: BGR, Euro News
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