Research has shown that nightmares can be effectively resolved by means of confrontation. For instance, if the dreamer has nightmares about being attacked by a demon, instead of fleeing in fear, he or she should face it. The dreamer should realize that this demon is just a fragment of his or her imagination, represents something threatening, and that they can dispel it. He or she can also embrace the demon, think of it as a harmless animal, and very likely, the demon will transform into the harmless animal that the dreamer wills them into. Lucid dreams are the ultimate tool in this aspect. In lucid dreams, the dreamer knows that he or she is dreaming, so the dreamer can do anything he or she wills, in this case, the confrontation of nightmares.

Though every one has their unique set of nightmares, a few situations are commonly associated with it. Thus, common forms of resolution can be derived. They are as follows:

chase or attack : The pursuer usually represents a fearful aspect of a problem, or an exaggerated version of a denied or inhibited portion of our own personality that would benefit us if integrated and appropriately expressed. (ideal outcome: standing our ground, facing and dialoguing with our pursuer, and eventually, acceptance and embrace)

falling : Am I feeling heavy, unsupported, worried about something? How can I feel freer, lighter? Also: do I need to be more grounded? (ideal outcome: feeling safe, landing, floating or flying)

car out of control : Is life too hectic, out of control? How could I slow down, act more peacefully and "enjoy the ride"? (ideal outcome: driving well & within speed limits, walking peacefully)

unprepared/late for or failing an exam : Am I feeling unprepared for some upcoming event? Unconfident about my performance? Am I worrying needlessly or do I actually need more preparation in order to feel confident and do a good job?) (ideal outcome: feeling assured about oneself, performing well)

stuck in slow motion, unable to move or make any noise : Where am I feeling stuck in life, like I'm getting nowhere or unable to voice my true feelings? What can I do to change it? (ideal outcome: relaxation and acceptance, and eventually, peaceful action & self-expression)

embarrassed to be nude in public, though nobody seems to notice or mind : Where in life am I feeling unconfident, embarrassed, unskilled? This type of dream is usually pointing out, by the fact that the other characters in the dream don't seem to notice, that we are the only one viewing our self this way, and usually mistakenly so. (ideal outcome: comfortable with oneself as is, confident)

personal injury, dismemberment : What part of my life-not usually the physical body-have I been neglecting, mistreating, forgetting-i.e. dis-membering as opposed to remembering? (ideal outcome: healing)

trapped, locked in : Where am I feeling trapped in life? How might I open myself up to a new perspective, and explore new courses of action? (ideal outcome: breaking out, exploration)

drowning, threatening (tidal) waves or flooding : Am I blocking, denying or feeling overwhelmed by my emotions? How might I better acknowledge, accept, and feel these feelings-which often include vulnerability? (ideal outcome: swimming, surfing)

helpless/abandoned/crying baby, monkey, bunny or small animal : Have I been taking care of my "inner child"? Maybe I need to laugh more, play outdoors, express my creativity, be more spontaneous, or enjoy more personal warmth and intimacy? (ideal outcome: caring for baby or animal, playing, having simple fun)

This information is from Dreams Foundation at: http://www.crhsc.umontreal.ca/dreamsfoundation/nightmr1.htm

For more dream interpretation images see: