Finding our way in the dark

John Beebe states that a nightmare is any form of upsetting, dreamlike cognition occurring in the midst of sleep. The author argues that a classification of a nightmare would be based not on physiological  findings, but on what the upsetting nocturnal occurrence turns out to be. He claims that  a true nightmare comes from deep REM sleep, out of which one awakens to a frightening dream that one cannot forget. John Beebe develops this claim by investigating a book called "vertigo", he looks at the different types of dreams mentioned in the book and bases his theories off of it. John Beebe's purpose is to inform you that there may be a possibility that dream classification may not be based upon physiological findings but on how upsetting the dream is.
          

Beebe, John. "Finding Our Way In The Dark." Journal Of Analytical Psychology 50.1 (2005): 91. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 7 Sept. 2012.

Physiological-Emotional Reactivity to Nightmare-Related Imagery in Trauma-Exposed Persons With Chronic Nightmares

The department of psychology university of Tulsa, states that chronic nightmares threaten psychological well-being and is more common among trauma-exposed persons. They claim that the presence of nightmares following trauma exposure is associated with greater sleep disturbance. The department of psychology develops this claim by researching disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and testing average people. The department of psychology found that nightmare imagery increased reports of displeasure, higher heart rate, and corrugator (frowning) muscle activity. The department of psychology's purpose is to educate you and make inform you that PTSD may be a cause of chronic nightmares.

   Rhudy, Jamie L.Davis, Joanne L.Williams, Amy E.McCabe, Klanci M.Byrd, Patricia M. "Physiological-Emotional Reactivity To Nightmare-Related Imagery In Trauma-Exposed Persons With Chronic Nightmares." Behavioral Sleep Medicine 6.3 (2008): 158. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 7 Sept.2012.

The relationship of nightmare frequency and nightmare distress to well-being

The department of psychology university of Wales Swansea UK, states that nightmares may be the cause of psychopathology or lack of emotional well-being. They claim frequency of nightmares have been related to high scores on the neurotic and psychotic scales of MMPI. The department of psychology develops this claim by first researching the high test scores on neurotisim, and actually surveying people themselves. The department of psychology found that subjects that have at least one nightmare a week had greater anxiety, and that nightmare frequency has been associated with state anxiety mood and anxiety disorders. They found that subjects having nightmares had significantly greater trait anxiety and schizotypy. The department of psychology's purpose is to educate you and make you question nightmares, and to realize whether or not nightmares do symbolize something.
        

Blagrove, MarkFarmer, LauraWilliams, Elvira. "The Relationship Of Nightmare Frequency And Nightmare Distress To Well-Being." Journal Of Sleep Research 13.2 (2004): 129. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 7 Sept. 2012.