When the mind reprocesses the night: A clinical case study on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for idiopathic nightmare disorder
Filipa Almeida, Maria Inês Clara, Margarida Rodrigues, Ana Allen Gomes
Sleep Research June 2, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/slp2.70038 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | Adult with idiopathic nightmare disorder |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Emdr Idiopathic Nightmare disorder Nightmares |
| Key findings | EMDR therapy produced clinically meaningful and reliable improvements in nightmare symptoms, nightmare-related distress, and sleep quality, with post-intervention scores falling within the normative range. |
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Nightmare Disorder (ND) is a prevalent sleep disorder linked to nocturnal and daytime impairments. Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) shows moderate effects, and evidence for other psychological interventions, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), remains scarce in adults with idiopathic ND (IND).
Methods: This case study explored EMDR therapy's potential for treating IND. Nightmare symptoms, nightmare‐related distress, and sleep quality were assessed pre‐ (T1) and post‐intervention (T2).
Results: Score changes were clinically meaningful and reliable within a 95% confidence interval, with T2 scores falling within the normative range.
Conclusions: Specialized nightmare treatment reduces functional impact and chronicity; further investigation of EMDR therapy could improve intervention.