Neuroscientists learn why PTSD patients relive highly charged fear memories in sleep

During periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, brain activity often resembles that of awake behavior. At times, the brain can actually be more active during REM sleep than when you're awake. It's why REM sleep is sometimes called "paradoxical sleep," said Virginia Tech neuroscientist Sujith Vijayan. And for those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder, this very active sleep stage tends to be fraught with emotionally charged dreams, "over and over," Vijayan said.

source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-neuroscientists-ptsd-patients-relive-highly.html