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Sleep-wake

Nightmare disorder

Frequent and distressing nightmares, which wake the person up and leave him uncomfortable or afraid to sleep.

Common signs

Repeated nightmaresWaking up afraidTiredness from being afraid to sleep

Tips

For you

  1. Imagery rehearsal technique: rewrite the ending of the nightmare
  2. Reduce stress before bed
  3. If they are linked to trauma, seek help

For family and friends

  1. Listen to the nightmare without making a big deal of it
  2. Calm routines before bed

When to ask for help

  1. If they are linked to trauma
  2. If they stop you resting

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I have very distressing nightmares
2. I wake up frightened or startled
3. I remember clearly what I dreamt
4. I find it hard to get back to sleep
5. I'm afraid to go to sleep
6. The nightmares keep coming back
7. During the day I'm tired
8. They are related to something that happened to me
Also take the full insomnia test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guide: Trauma and post-traumatic stressFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

InsomniaSleep-wakeHypersomnolence disorderSleep-wakeNarcolepsySleep-wakeObstructive sleep apnoeaSleep-wake

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.