Effects of Fragmented REM Sleep on Emotional Consolidation in Individuals with Nightmare Disorder
Desika Sundar
American Journal of Student Research 2025 DOI: 10.70251/hyjr2348.36177182 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Sleep system call Memory consolidation Eye movement Emotional memory Cognitive psychology Emotional regulation |
| Key findings | Recurrent nightmares fragment or shorten REM sleep, impairing emotional regulation and memory clarity by reinforcing threat-related associations. |
Abstract
Nightmares, especially when frequent, can significantly disrupt the brain’s process of consolidating emotional memories during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. REM provides a unique neurobiological environment for integrating emotionally charged experiences, but nightmares fragment or shorten this stage, impairing emotional regulation and memory clarity. This literature review synthesizes findings from neuroscience, sleep medicine, and psychology, showing that recurrent nightmares can reinforce threat-related associations and hinder adaptive emotional processing. These insights highlight the potential of targeted interventions, such as imagery rehearsal therapy and memory reactivation, to restore healthy REM function and improve emotional resilience.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming | 2019 | Review | |
| Sleep and dreaming are for important matters | 2013 | Review | |
| Nightmare Disorder and Isolated Sleep Paralysis | 2020 | Review | |
| My Dream, My Rules: Can Lucid Dreaming Treat Nightmares? | 2019 | Review | |
| Dream Recall: State or Trait Variable? Part I: Model, Theories, Methodology and Trait Factors | 1996 | Review |