The scene was hazy. A pitch-black alleyway shrouded in thick fog. Nothing could be seen behind, the sides seemed impossibly distant. Footsteps grew louder behind, breathing sounds clearer beside the ear. Fear spread through the body, a sensation of someone tugging at the arm. Wanting to scream, yet no sound could escape the mouth.So, drenched in cold sweat, trembling, sinking into terror, I finally jolted awake...
Almost everyone has experienced this: having a dream with intricate plot twists, feeling mentally alert and logical within the dream, only to wake up the next day utterly confused, wondering, "Where did all this nonsense come from?Why did I dream such things?" Szegényi states that psychotherapy is the fundamental approach to overcoming the distress of nightmares.
Dreams Can Be Educational
According to a recent report in Argentina's La Nación, Argentine neurologist Claudio Potesta recently pointed out that nightmares are linked to unresolved psychological trauma, images, or stories that leave a deep impression on an individual; children are more prone to nightmares.Portesta, who also chairs Argentina's Dream Society, believes that while nightmares share similarities with sleepwalking and sleep talking as disorders, they possess distinct characteristics. Those experiencing nightmares typically recall dream details upon waking, and such nightmares often occur around dawn.He explained that while there is no definitive genetic basis for nightmares, their occurrence across multiple generations within some families suggests a certain hereditary component. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits can trigger them, such as sharing a bedroom with parents. High fever, mental stress, sleep difficulties, and the use of certain blood pressure medications or antidepressants may also contribute. Furthermore, anxiety disorders can intensify nightmares.Argentine trauma specialist Andrea Mara Szecsenyi asserts that nightmares are closely linked to unresolved psychological trauma, deeply impactful images, or even stories one has heard. She states: "Without psychological treatment, trauma can affect a person for a considerable period—perhaps years later, or even throughout their entire life."
Segni explains that certain dreams are not random occurrences for children, as they are closely tied to physical development—such as during teething. Nightmares can help the developing brain process daytime experiences, parental behaviors, various images, and all incomprehensible situations, albeit in an abnormal manner.
Segényi emphasized that psychotherapy is the fundamental approach to overcoming the distress of nightmares; relying solely on medication may leave nightmares persistently haunting you.