Nightmares in Narcolepsy Are Way Worse Than You Think (And We Can Rewrite Them)

Narcolepsy isn’t just about “falling asleep at the wrong time.” For many patients, the scariest part is what happens inside their sleep—long, vivid, emotionally intense nightmares that can blur into sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and even waking life.In this episode of Sleep Is My Waking Passion, Dr. Alison Kole sits down with clinical psychologist and sleep researcher Dr. Jennifer Mundt (University of Utah) to unpack a symptom almost no one is talking about: nightmares in narcolepsy—and how cognitive behavioral therapy for nightmares (CBT-N) and imagery rehearsal techniques may help rewrite them.You’ll learn:How narcolepsy nightmares differ from typical “bad dreams”Why dream-reality confusion and lucid dreaming can make these episodes feel dangerously realWhat current research suggests about nightmare burden in narcolepsy, type 1 and type 2, and idiopathic hypersomniaHow CBT-N and imagery rehearsal therapy work, step by step, and how they can be adapted for excessively sleepy patientsHow to learn more about Dr. Mundt’s DAWN Study and remote participation optionsThis episode is essential viewing for:Clinicians treating narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, or trauma-related sleep disordersResearchers interested in REM dysregulation, dream phenomenology, and behavioral sleep medicinePatients and families living with narcolepsy, sleep paralysis, and disturbing dreamsIf you’re ready to look beyond medications and explore how behavioral treatment might change the dream landscape in narcolepsy, start here.👉 If this topic fascinates you, hit Subscribe, so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!