Women are successfully climbing every ladder of success. However, they are still engulfed in various mental and physical ailment. Besides, past studies have often suggested that women get more nightmares than men, and there is always a common theme surrounding these nightmares.

Therefore, with International Women’s Day just around the corner, the team of ThePleasantDream aspired to bring forth some interesting insights related to women experiencing nightmares.

To get to the truth and unravel the reasons behind this, we asked leading mental health experts, psychologists, psychiatrists and spiritual experts certain pertinent questions.

Here are the insights from the experts.

What Could Be The Reason Behind Women Having More Nightmares Than Men?

  • Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC, Clinical Director and Registered Psychotherapist at Mind by Design Some research suggests that women may have more nightmares than men, but the precise reasons for this are unknown. However, there are a few possibilities:

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy can make it hard to sleep and make nightmares more likely.

Women have higher anxiety levels than men, which can increase the frequency and intensity of nightmares.

Women are more likely to think about their problems and feelings repeatedly. This can make them more stressed and anxious, which can lead to more nightmares.

Due to socialization and cultural factors, women may be more likely to experience traumatic or scary events like sexual harassment, assault, and violence. These events can increase the likelihood of having nightmares.

Women are more likely than men to suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, which can lead to poor sleep quality and an increased risk of nightmares.

It’s important to note that these are just theories; more research is needed to fully understand why women may have more nightmares than men. Also, not all women have more nightmares than men. This is because each person is different.

Nightmares are a symptom and outcome of trauma. Dreams are the brain’s adaptive way of working through stress. When an experience overwhelms this natural memory-processing and consolidation system, as, in the case of trauma, dreams become nightmares, wherein the metaphorical dream material fails to reach a resolution, and the dreamer awakens in distress.

Women experience nightmares at higher rates than men because they experience trauma more frequently. For example, one in three women experiences sexual assault by the age of 30, while the same is true for less than half as many men.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during the menstrual cycle, may increase the likelihood of nightmares in women. Research has shown that progesterone, a hormone that is high during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, can affect sleep quality and increase the likelihood of vivid and emotional dreams.

  • Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Certified EMDR Specialist; Clinical Psychologist for Dream Analysis group at Seasons Malibu

Many women are simply more aware and sensitive to their feelings, and dreams and nightmares are signals from the unconscious. Many remember their dreams more clearly, believing that they mean something.

Due to differences in the way that men and women process and recall information, it’s possible that women simply remember their dreams more often, including their nightmares. 

Societal factors also encourage women to pay more attention to their emotions and inner experiences. For example, greater emphasis on emotional expression in women is socially accepted. This may lead women to a greater awareness of their inner emotional states, including the emotions experienced during nightmares.

Another possible explanation is that women may experience more stress and anxiety than men, which can lead to an increased frequency of nightmares. Women are often juggling multiple roles, including caregiver, employee, and partner, which can result in higher levels of stress and a greater likelihood of nightmares.

  1. Hormonal differences: Women’s hormones fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycle, which can affect sleep patterns and increase the likelihood of nightmares.
  2. Stress and anxiety: Women are more likely to experience stress and anxiety than men, which can affect sleep quality and increase the likelihood of nightmares.
  3. Trauma and PTSD: Women are more likely to experience trauma and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can cause nightmares.
  4. Socialization and gender stereotypes: Women may be more likely to report nightmares due to socialisation and gender stereotypes that encourage them to be more expressive about their emotions and experiences.

The reason behind women having more nightmares than men is not yet fully understood. However, some of the possible explanations include the stress of balancing work and family responsibilities, the experience of sexual and physical abuse, and hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Which Are The Most Commonly Occurring Nightmares in Women?

  • Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC, Clinical Director and Registered Psychotherapist at Mind by Design®

Nightmares can vary significantly from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which nightmares women are most likely to experience. According to research and anecdotal evidence, some types of nightmares may be more common in women:

Both men and women often have nightmares about being chased or attacked, but women may have them more often because they are more likely to become victims.

Falling or drowning – These nightmares may reflect feelings of helplessness or vulnerability, which may be more prevalent in women who face gender-based oppression and discrimination.

Being entrapped or unable to flee – This nightmare theme could represent feelings of powerlessness or be trapped in a difficult situation, which may be more common in women who face systemic barriers to success and independence.

Loss of a loved one – This nightmare theme may be more common in women because they often have a greater social and emotional investment in their relationships.

Failing or being judged – This nightmare theme may reflect feelings of insecurity or anxiety about one’s abilities and worth, which may be more common in women who are pressured by society to conform to gender roles and expectations.

It’s important to remember that these are generalizations and that not all women will have these nightmares. Also, a person’s past, culture, and mental health can all affect the kinds of nightmares they have.

  •  Dr. Deborah Vinall, PSY-D, LMFT; EMDR & Brainspotting Certified Trauma Therapist

The most common nightmare theme for women is being chased. While dreams draw from our life experiences and remix fragments in a creative metaphorical process that will imprint uniquely in each mind, the theme of being chased is a universal symbol of feeling in danger from something not psychologically resolved.

  •  Karen Comen, Lead Astrologer & Life Coach at ZodiacSign.com

There is no one specific type of nightmare that is more common in women than in men, as nightmares can be influenced by a variety of individual factors such as personal experiences, stress levels, and mental health. However, some studies have suggested that women may be more likely to experience nightmares related to themes such as:

Losing a loved one: Nightmares that involve losing a loved one, such as a partner, child, or parent, may be more common in women who have experienced loss or are dealing with feelings of grief or abandonment.

  • Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Certified EMDR Specialist; Clinical Psychologist for Dream Analysis group at Seasons Malibu
  1. Being chased by an unknown figure.
  2. Being held down and trying to scream but unable to do so (frozen).
  3. Being lost and trying to find a way out, but cannot do so.

I train people to see these nightmares as gifts; the mind reflects how the dreamer is feeling at the time of the dream. Many times we fear the unknown future for ourselves, feel stuck in our lives/relationships, or feel trapped and cannot find a way out of the predicament in our lives.

The mind at night will reflect the feelings in a literal way, which should be interpreted metaphorically to identify, validate, and process that feeling. Nightmares, of course, feel scary and real, but they are not precognitive; they alert you to what needs to be dealt with in your life.

  • Tiffany McGee, Spiritual expert; CEO of Nomadrs

One of the most common nightmares in women is related to interpersonal conflict. Women tend to be socialized to prioritize relationships and social connections, so it’s not surprising that we often dream of arguments with family members, partners, or friends. These dreams may reflect our fears of rejection or feelings of inadequacy in our relationships.

Many women also struggle with body image issues, and these concerns can seep into our dreams. It’s not uncommon for us to dream of being judged or ridiculed based on our appearance, which can be incredibly distressing. These dreams reflect the damaging messages that we receive from society, and can be challenging to overcome without support and self-compassion.

  • Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor oud Outreach Specialist for Live Another Day

The most common nightmares in women can vary depending on the individual, but a few themes tend to be more prevalent. Here are a few examples:

  1. Falling: Many women report nightmares about falling, which can be associated with feelings of loss of control or insecurity.
  2. Being chased or attacked: Nightmares about being chased or attacked by someone or something are also common among women. These nightmares may be related to feelings of vulnerability or fear.
  3. Teeth falling out: Another common nightmare among women is having their teeth fall out. This can be associated with feelings of vulnerability or a fear of losing control.
  4. Being trapped or unable to move: Nightmares about being trapped or unable to move are also common among women. These nightmares may be related to feelings of powerlessness or helplessness.
  5. Natural disasters: Some women may experience nightmares about natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. These nightmares may be related to feelings of fear or anxiety about the unpredictable nature of the world.
  • Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous

The most commonly occurring nightmares in women are those that are fear-based, such as being chased or attacked. Other recurrent nightmares may involve feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or helplessness.

At What Age Do Nightmares Peak Among Women?

  • Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC, Clinical Director and Registered Psychotherapist at Mind by Design®

Nightmares happen to people of all ages, but research shows they may be more common in kids and teens. It’s difficult to say what age women’s nightmares peak, as this varies depending on individual factors such as life experiences, mental health, and sleep habits.

Children and adolescents are more likely than adults to have nightmares, with some studies estimating that up to 50% of children and 25% of adults have nightmares at least occasionally.

Because of the rapid physical, mental, and emotional changes during childhood and adolescence and the increased exposure to stressors like academic pressures, social challenges, and family conflict, nightmares may get worse during these years.

However, some research suggests that women are more likely than men to have nightmares, and this increased risk may last into adulthood. Women may have more nightmares because their hormones change, they have more traumatic experiences, and they are more anxious.

  •   Karen Comen, Lead Astrologer & Life Coach at ZodiacSign.com

Research suggests that nightmares peak in frequency and intensity during early adulthood, which is generally considered to be the period between the ages of 18 and 30. This is true for both men and women. However, women may experience more nightmares overall compared to men, which may be influenced by factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, and mental health.

  • Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Certified EMDR Specialist; Clinical Psychologist for Dream Analysis group at Seasons Malibu

It depends on the individual. Some women have more unstable young years, and so suffer nightmares then; others have more turbulence in middle age or older.

  • Tiffany McGee, Spiritual expert; CEO of Nomadrs

    Nightmares tend to peak in frequency during early adolescence, around the ages of 10-13, for both boys and girls. In women specifically, nightmare frequency may increase during young adulthood, before gradually declining with age.

The reason is that during early adolescence, there are several physical, emotional, and cognitive changes taking place that can disrupt sleep and increase the likelihood of nightmares. As girls transition into young adulthood, they may also experience stressors and challenges, such as navigating new relationships, academic or career pressures, and financial concerns. 

  • Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor oud Outreach Specialist for Live Another Day

Nightmares tend to peak in frequency during adolescence and early adulthood for both men and women.

  • Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous

Nightmares generally peak during the teenage years and then begin to taper off in the early twenties.

Do Nightmares Decrease With Age in Women?

  • Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC, Clinical Director and Registered Psychotherapist at Mind by Design®

Evidence shows that nightmares in both men and women may decrease with age. One study found that both men and women had fewer nightmares after they turned 50, with women reporting a slightly more significant drop than men.

However, changes in sleep patterns, health problems, and the use of certain medications can make it more likely for older adults to have nightmares. Sleep disturbances, for example, are more common in the elderly, and certain medications commonly used in this population, such as beta-blockers and antidepressants, can cause vivid dreams or nightmares.

Furthermore, while the frequency of nightmares may decrease with age, nightmare content may still be disturbing or upsetting. Older people may have more nightmares because they worry about their health, losing loved ones, and their own mortality.

  • Dr. Deborah Vinall, PSY-D, LMFT; EMDR & Brainspotting Certified Trauma Therapist

Nightmares decrease as we heal from or resolve the causal psychological stressors or trauma. Because traumas are more heavily concentrated in one’s early years, with time and intention, whether through formal psychotherapy or other healing means, nightmares may decrease with time and age.

  • Karen Comen, Lead Astrologer & Life Coach at ZodiacSign.com

Research has shown that the frequency of nightmares decreases gradually from childhood to adolescence and then more rapidly during adulthood. Nightmares tend to peak in frequency and intensity during early adulthood, which is generally considered to be the period between the ages of 18 and 30, and then decline as individuals enter middle age and beyond.

  • Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Certified EMDR Specialist; Clinical Psychologist for Dream Analysis group at Seasons Malibu

They can, but it is not necessarily attributable to age. Learning how your mind at night is always trying to help you vs scare you can be acquired at any age. As well, some women become more stable and functional and healthier mentally and physically as they adopt a better lifestyle. This definitely affects the mind at night.

  • Tiffany McGee, Spiritual expert; CEO of Nomadrs

    As we age, we may develop better coping mechanisms and experience fewer external stressors, which can contribute to a decrease in nightmare frequency.

This decrease can be related to changes in our sleep patterns and overall health. For instance, in adulthood, we experience a reduction in REM sleep, which is the stage of sleep where most vivid dreaming occurs. This can result in fewer dreams and a lower likelihood of experiencing nightmares.

  • Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor oud Outreach Specialist for Live Another Day

There is some evidence to suggest that nightmares may decrease in frequency with age in women. One study found that the frequency of nightmares decreased from adolescence to adulthood, and then remained relatively stable throughout middle age and into older adulthood.

  • Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous

Some women do experience a decrease in nightmares as they get older, but others may have them more frequently as they enter menopause.

What Are The Tips For Dealing With Nightmares?

  • Ellie Borden, BA, RP, PCC, Clinical Director and Registered Psychotherapist at Mind by Design®

There are several tips and strategies for dealing with nightmares:

  1. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine – A relaxing bedtime routine can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to nightmares. Activities such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation fall into this category.
  2. Make your bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable. Avoid watching scary movies or reading disturbing material before bed, as this can increase the likelihood of nightmares.
  3. Maintain good sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime. This can help promote better sleep and reduce the likelihood of nightmares.
  4. Be aware of any patterns or triggers that may be causing your nightmares. Nightmares, for example, may be more likely following a stressful day at work or after watching a scary movie. Identifying these triggers can assist you in avoiding or managing them.
  5. Discuss your nightmares with a trusted friend or family member, or consider seeing a mental health professional who can assist you in working through any underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be contributing to your nightmares.
  6. Practice lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is the ability to become aware of your dream and take control of it. With practice, you can learn to recognize when you are dreaming and use techniques to change the content of your dreams and avoid nightmares.
  7. Relaxation techniques. If you awaken from a nightmare and find it difficult to fall back asleep, try deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help calm your mind and body.
  • Dr. Deborah Vinall, PSY-D, LMFT; EMDR & Brainspotting Certified Trauma Therapist

The most powerful way to free yourself from nightmares is through psychotherapy.

Nightmares signal that something has overwhelmed your capacity to cope and integrate an experience, and psychotherapies such as EMDR, which replicates the REM process of adaptive sleep in a wakeful, supported state, can help to resolve the material that remains stuck and continues to intrude upon your rest.

There are also psychopharmacological treatment options that may help with nightmares, such as prazosin, nitrazepam, and triazolam.

  •  Karen Comen, Lead Astrologer & Life Coach at ZodiacSign.com

One of the best ways to deal with nightmares for women is lucid dreaming. It involves being aware that you are dreaming and being able to control the content of your dreams. By practicing lucid dreaming, you may be able to change the outcome of a nightmare or wake yourself up before it becomes too intense.

  •  Dr. Nancy B. Irwin, Psy.D, Primary Therapist and Certified EMDR Specialist; Clinical Psychologist for Dream Analysis group at Seasons Malibu

The mind at night will reflect the feelings in a literal way, which should be interpreted metaphorically to identify, validate, and process that feeling. Nightmares, of course, feel scary and real, but they are not precognitive; they alert you to what needs to be dealt with in your life.

  • Tiffany McGee, Spiritual expert; CEO of Nomadrs

    Transform your nightmares into stories: Sometimes, the best way to cope with a nightmare is to give it a new narrative. Consider writing or drawing about your dream, adding in new characters or plot twists that make it less frightening. That’s how you can take control of the experience and turn it into something positive.

Create a calming bedtime routine: Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can in turn reduce the likelihood of experiencing nightmares.

Practice lucid dreaming: Lucid dreaming involves becoming aware that you are dreaming while you are still in the dream state. By practicing lucid dreaming techniques, such as reality checks or keeping a dream journal, you can learn to recognize when you are in a nightmare and take steps to change the dream.

  • Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor oud Outreach Specialist for Live Another Day

    Here are some tips to deal with nightmares:
  1. Practice relaxation techniques before bed, such as deep breathing or meditation.
  2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.
  3. Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine before bed, as these can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the likelihood of nightmares.
  4. Keep a dream journal to track and process your dreams.
  5. Talk to a therapist or mental health professional to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to nightmares.
  6. Engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
  7. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of psychotherapy that can help you manage anxiety and stress.
  • Kerry Lauders, Mental Health Officer at Startups Anonymous

    The best way to deal with nightmares is to first identify the things that tend to trigger them. Once you are aware of what sets off your nightmares, you can begin to develop strategies to manage them. This may include keeping a journal to track your dreams, using relaxation techniques before bed, or avoiding watching scary movies or reading scary books before bed.

Closing Thoughts

The expert opinion does support the past findings that women experience more nightmares than men. The above comments have also adequately revealed that women’s natural body mechanisms, life experiences, and cultural constructs do play a role in the occurrence of nightmares.

If you are a woman who has been distressed with intense nightmares, try out certain self-help tips shared by the experts here. Do not hesitate to ask for professional help to experience peaceful sleep and reduce nightmares.