Which term describes distressing dreams that can cause fear or anxiety upon waking?

Nightmares are a specific type of distressing dream characterized by vivid and frightening themes that can provoke strong feelings of fear, anxiety, or terror upon awakening. They often occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep when dreams are most intense. Individuals experiencing nightmares may often recall the content of their dreams and may wake up feeling disturbed, anxious, or even physically shaken by the intensity of the emotions involved.

The impact of nightmares can be significant, leading to disruptions in sleep patterns and even contributing to issues such as insomnia if the individual starts to fear going back to sleep. Recognizing nightmares as a psychological phenomenon is essential in understanding their potential effects on mental health, as frequent nightmares can be associated with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders.