Patients experiencing nightmares tend to have what change in their REM sleep characteristics?

Patients experiencing nightmares typically exhibit a quicker onset of REM sleep. This increased speed in entering REM sleep is relevant because REM is the stage of sleep where vivid dreaming, including nightmares, occurs. In individuals prone to nightmares, the transition to REM can occur sooner and may be more intense.

Longer REM cycles, decreased REM density, and improved sleep quality do not align with the common experience of nightmare sufferers. While nightmares happen during REM, they are typically associated with disrupted sleep quality rather than any improvement in it. Therefore, the characteristic of a quicker onset of REM sleep is a key aspect of how nightmares manifest in sleep patterns.