Question

A nightmare is a frightening dream that awakens a dreamer from REM sleep. The nightmare's content invariably involves danger_____the dreamer is chased, robbed, or thrown off a cliff. Nightmares are common. Most of us have had them, especially as young children. Nightmares peak at 3 to 6 years of age and the decline. although the average college student experiences 4 to 8 nightmares a year. Reported increases in nightmares or worsening nightmares are often associated with an increase in life stressors such as the loss of a relative or a job and conflicts with others.

Answer 1

Nightmares are distressing dreams during REM sleep that can be heightened by stress, while night terrors are NREM disturbances that cause panic and are often forgotten. Sleep apnea disrupts breathing and causes fatigue, and parasomnias include a variety of unwelcome sleep behaviors like sleepwalking.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nightmares occur during the REM sleep phase, often featuring distressing themes where the dreamer faces danger, such as being chased or falling off a cliff. These dreams are quite common in children and adults alike, with stress and life events frequently exacerbating their frequency or intensity. On the other hand, night terrors are distinct from nightmares and take place during the NREM phase of sleep, leading to panicked behaviors, screaming, and an inability to recall the incident upon waking.

Sleep apnea is another condition, characterized by the cessation of breathing during sleep, causing sufferers to experience fatigue due to disrupted sleep, even without recollection of the interruptions. It is correlated with loud snoring and cardiovascular complications, often necessitating medical attention especially if other health concerns are present.

Parasomnias encompass a range of sleep disorders, including night terrors, sleepwalking, and restless leg syndrome. Typically, these disorders manifest as unwanted motor behavior or experiences throughout the sleep cycle. Understanding and differentiating these conditions is crucial as treatment and implications can vary significantly.