Symptom 7: Avoidance of Sleep
Sleep is fundamental, a biological need. Yet, for someone grappling with nightmare disorder, every night presents a conflict. They’re tired, desperately craving rest, yet equally terrified of what awaits them in their dreams. It’s a catch-22 situation: needing sleep but fearing the very act of it.
People find myriad ways to dodge sleep. Some immerse themselves in late-night TV binges, others plunge into books, while a few might endlessly scroll on their phones. The goal is singular: delay sleep, stave off the nightmares. These distractions become their shield, their defense mechanism against the impending dread.
Over time, the sleep-wake cycle gets skewed. Night hours stretch with wakefulness, while daytime turns into a haze of grogginess. The biological clock, confused by this erratic pattern, struggles. The body’s internal rhythms—be it hunger, alertness, or mood—get thrown off-kilter.
Avoiding sleep isn’t without repercussions. The body and mind, deprived of their essential rest, begin to show signs of strain. Memory falters, concentration wanes, and the immune system weakens. Emotionally, feelings of anxiety and depression can creep in, further compounding the distress.
The cycle of avoiding sleep because of nightmares, only to be more tired and thus more susceptible to them, is a cruel irony. Breaking this cycle requires acknowledging the problem, seeking help, and slowly rebuilding one’s relationship with sleep, one night at a time. (7)
