Q: Recently, several of us at our assisted living home observed a very upsetting medical emergency involving a resident. Since then, I’ve been having recurring nightmares. I am worried that these bad dreams will never stop. What can I do?
A: Know that what you are feeling is completely normal. Witnessing a medical crisis can be frightening, and your mind is simply trying to process that stress while you sleep. You went through a scare, and it makes sense that your evenings are feeling less than peaceful right now.
The most important thing to know is that you do not have to carry this heavy burden alone. Because you live in an assisted living community, you are surrounded by a team of people who care about you. Here is a step-by-step path toward getting your restful nights back.
Start with an easy chat
Your first step doesn't need to be a formal medical appointment. Try telling someone what is going on. Talk to a favorite nurse, a trusted staff member, or a friend. Just letting others know, "I’ve been having a hard time sleeping since the emergency," opens the door to support.
If you do see a healthcare professional, don't worry about coming in with a flawless medical diary. If you can, jot down a few notes on a notepad by your bed:
• How often the nightmares are waking you up
• A brief sentence about what you remember from the dream
• A quick list of your current medications and any vitamins or supplements
Understanding how a medical provider can help
When you speak with your primary care professional, their goal is to find ways to improve your well-being. They will check to see if a simple tweak to your evening routine or a look at your medications might bring quick relief.
If the nightmares keep persisting, your medical provider might introduce you to a specialist to give you extra support. Think of these specialists as additions to your personal comfort care team:
• Sleep specialists: They can look at how your body rests at night. Sometimes, they will suggest a comfortable overnight stay at a sleep clinic to monitor your breathing and deep sleep patterns.
• Counselors and therapists: Talking with a professional who understands grief, anxiety, or late-life stress can do wonders. They can teach you gentle exercises—like "Imagery Rehearsal Therapy"—where you practice changing a scary dream's ending to a peaceful one while you are awake.
• Neurologists or geriatric psychiatrists: If your bad dreams are accompanied by daytime worries or memory lapses, these specialists can step in to make sure your overall brain health and physical reflexes are fully supported. Should the symptoms be related to another medical diagnosis, treatment for that condition will be recommended in addition to medication management if necessary.
Comfort for tonight
Before your appointments, try a simple grounding exercise if you wake up shaken in the middle of the night. Turn on a dim, warm bedside lamp. Sip a little water. Remind yourself out loud: "The emergency is over. I am safe in my room, and help is right down the hall."
With time, open conversation, and the right team behind you, those vivid nightmares will begin to fade, allowing the peaceful, restorative sleep you deserve to return.
Karen Casanovas, PCC, CPCC, CLIPP is a translational resilience researcher, award-winning columnist, and co-author of “Cracking the Rich Code (Volume 19)”. Her work focuses on the art of human connection and the power of intentional practices. For inquiries, contact her at info@karencasanovas.com
