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Once in a while, everybody gets those weird, disturbing, unpleasant dreams. But if it becomes too frequent, it may be due to nightmare disorder.

A nightmare disorder, or dream anxiety disorder, is a condition where a person repeatedly dreams of extended, vivid, disturbing dreams. It is a rare type of parasomnia, or sleep-related disorder affecting about four percent of adults in the United States.

Individuals who have nightmare disorders will have unsettling dreams that involve dangerous life-or-death situations or scenarios. These types of nightmares typically happen during the rapid eye movement or REM phase of sleep, when the dreams are longer and well-remembered.

Nightmare disorders may be associated with memories of fear, which is why it is common in people with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. However, a study from 2008 showed that it is also common in people with borderline personality disorder or BPD.

Imagery rehearsal therapy

Even without any sleep-related disorder, it is nearly impossible to control a person's dreams. However, with the help of a professional, imagery rehearsal therapy or IRT can be done for the treatment of nightmare disorders. This is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, where a patient will rewrite the nightmare with the help of a therapist and rehearse it regularly during the daytime. 

Possible prevention of episodes

At home, the best that individuals with nightmare disorders can do is to strive to get good sleep, even if it is challenging. Healthy sleep hygiene can include establishing a fixed sleep schedule, a rule against screens like mobile phones before bed and making the room as dark as possible to make it conducive for a good night's sleep. Investing in a good pillow and essential oil diffusers can also help promote good sleep.