Final answer:
Callie's nightmares at night could be caused by factors such as stress, trauma, or sleep disorders. Differentiating between nightmares and night terrors is crucial, as they have distinct characteristics and occur in different sleep stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Why does Callie have nightmares at night?' pertains to the health category, specifically dealing with sleep disorders and psychological experiences during sleep. Nightmares are distressing dreams that result in feelings of fear, horror, and anxiety, leading to awakening from sleep.
They are common and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, trauma, sleep deprivation, medications, or substance abuse. Callie's nightmares may be the product of any of these factors or could also be a symptom of a nightmare disorder if they occur frequently and cause significant distress or problems with functionality during the day.
It's important to note that night terrors and nightmares are different phenomena. Night terrors occur during the non-REM (NREM) phase of sleep and are characterized by partial awakening, intense fear, and usually a lack of detailed dream recall. Callie's experience could potentially be night terrors if she exhibits these behaviors, rather than nightmares, which occur during the REM phase of sleep and involve vivid dream sequences.
Treatment for Callie's nightmares or night terrors depends on their severity and underlying causes. If they are disrupting her sleep and daily life significantly, it may be beneficial to consult a health professional for advice on managing these sleep disturbances and to rule out conditions like sleep apnea, which can impact sleep quality and lead to an increased risk of nightmares and other sleep problems.