Nightmare disorder occurs predominantly during which sleep stage?

Nightmare disorder occurs predominantly during which sleep stage?

• A. Non-REM sleep
• B. Stage N2
• C. REM sleep
• D. Stage N3

Answer: (C)

Nightmare disorder is defined by repeated awakenings from sleep with distressing, well-remembered dreams, and these dreams occur most often during REM sleep. REM sleep is the phase where dreaming is most vivid and emotionally intense, with brain activity that resembles wakefulness and rapid eye movements. This combination makes nightmares more likely to be recalled and disruptive, as opposed to non-REM stages like deep slow-wave sleep (Stage N3) where dreaming is less vivid and such distressing awakenings are less typical. Nightmares also tend to appear more in the later part of the night when REM periods are longer.

Nightmare disorder is defined by repeated awakenings from sleep with distressing, well-remembered dreams, and these dreams occur most often during REM sleep. REM sleep is the phase where dreaming is most vivid and emotionally intense, with brain activity that resembles wakefulness and rapid eye movements. This combination makes nightmares more likely to be recalled and disruptive, as opposed to non-REM stages like deep slow-wave sleep (Stage N3) where dreaming is less vivid and such distressing awakenings are less typical. Nightmares also tend to appear more in the later part of the night when REM periods are longer.