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What Causes Restless Sleep With Vivid Nightmares?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Jan 2017
Question: 61 yr old Husband has been experiencing recent behaviors that are becoming concerning. He has been waking suddenly after having dreams of snakes or other frightening things, or jumps up out of bed running from something. Most recent episode involved spiders. They are so vivid he remembers them. A couple of days ago, he forgot about my brother passing away and reacted as if he had heard it the first time. He later admitted he remembered it, but vaguely. He has had other memory issues over time that I am now starting to piece together. When he was in his late teens-early twenties, he used to box. He was hit so hard one time that he has a severe deviated septum that cannot be repaired. He talks about the many blows he took to the head, and he finally quit because of it. Over many years, I have thought he might have had some learning disabilities, as he cannot process some things very well, has been mildly depressed, sleeps a lot and has general lethargy. He has other health issues and takes meds, so I chalked it all up to this. But this recent memory issue and now waking in terror of something from his dreams makes me wonder if he isn't now emerging with something related to his boxing or if he is starting to develop dementia.
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Psychological counseling will help.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Let me reassure you that for your husband it would be a good idea see a psychologist. Apart from dream analysis, the psychologist would be able to undertake psychotherapy which would help in unravelling his hidden fears. Thereafter, psychological counseling as well as cognitive behavioral therapy would help him cope better with the situation. There is nothing to grow apprehensive about and you would be amazed by the difference such an intervention can make.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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What Causes Restless Sleep With Vivid Nightmares?

Brief Answer: Psychological counseling will help. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone through your query and understand your concerns. Let me reassure you that for your husband it would be a good idea see a psychologist. Apart from dream analysis, the psychologist would be able to undertake psychotherapy which would help in unravelling his hidden fears. Thereafter, psychological counseling as well as cognitive behavioral therapy would help him cope better with the situation. There is nothing to grow apprehensive about and you would be amazed by the difference such an intervention can make. Let me know if I could help further. Regards