What can I do if nightmares prevent me from sleeping at night?

This question was asked in Alt de Flamboyan, Puerto Rico on 07/20/2012.
I grind my teeth at night. I keep dreaming and thinking at the same time. I am always escaping in a dream and can control my decisions in my sleep. It can last for hours and I can remember it in the morning. I wake up exhausted!

Doctors Answers (2)

Syed Nabi, M.D.
Answered on: 7/25/2012

If you hadn't had a sleep study, I would strongly recommend by getting one done. You may have sleep apnea that is known to cause symptoms like these.

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD
Answered on: 7/23/2012

If you think you sleep is poorly refreshing or fragmented with frequent arousals then referral to sleep specialist may be in order. Teeth grinding or Bruxism may to due to a medical psychiatric conditions, associated witha other sleep disorders or withdrawal from certain kinds of drugs (Etoh, antipsychotics and antidepressants). If you don't have sleep disorder then an EEG to rule out seizures may be of benefit.