Interest in information about nightmares in patients with sleep disorders

Abstract

Study Objectives: Despite the considerable prevalence of the nightmare disorder and its burden on the patient, nightmares are underdiagnosed and undertreated, even in sleep centers. Methods: A total of 1,125 patients in a sleep center undergoing routine diagnostic procedures for their sleep disorders completed a questionnaire about nightmares. Results: About 20% of the sample indicated an interest in more information about nightmare etiology and nightmare therapy-even patients who had never sought professional help previously. Conclusions: From a clinical viewpoint, health care professionals should be encouraged to ask about nightmares and, as a first step, internet-based selfhelp programs should be implemented for this patient group.