A number of studies have in the past revealed the prevalence of sleep disorders among Indians. According to ‘Sleep Disorders Prevalence Studies in Indian Population’, a study published in 2019 reveals that these disorders mainly include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and sleep deprivation greatly affecting the sleep quality of children and adults alike. Other sleep disorders also include night terrors, nightmares and sleep talking, which are comparatively lesser discussed experiences.

A number of adults experience frequent nightmares or dreams, which can restrict one’s sleep or wake them up from sleep at night, breaking their regular sleep patterns. The situation is often aggravated by excessive stress, unhealthy lifestyle and erratic schedule. While experts say it is normal, it is crucial to identify the intensity of these nightmares to understand how serious the problem is. Mid-day Online reached out to Dr Ashutosh Shah, DNB (psychiatry), consultant psychiatrist at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital Mumbai, to understand what causes nightmares and how serious it can get.