Individuals with OCD are more likely to have sleep problems such as delayed circadian rhythms (DSPD) and insomnia symptoms. Understanding the interplay between OCD and DSPD (and sometimes Insomnia) is essential for both providers and clients, particularly when engaging in evidence-based treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard for OCD treatment.
Dreams are a natural part of sleep. They are a product of the visual and emotional parts of our brains actively working to process experiences. They offer a way to work through thoughts and feelings, and they allow us to problem-solve in creative ways as the rules of reality are often suspended. Some of the images we experience can be disturbing, distressing and cause fearful awakenings, leading to the all-too-familiar experience of a nightmare. A nightmare does not always indicate something is wrong, but it can indicate the need to pay more attention to what’s happening. Let’s explore why you might want to pay attention to or seek help with your nightmares.