{"id":158966,"date":"2026-05-24T11:10:30","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T11:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/do-you-suffer-from-bad-dreams-and-nightmares-some-are-plagued-by-them-for-20-years-but-brilliantly-simple-new-techniques-and-treatments-to-end-them-for-good-are-transforming-lives-as-expert-dr-ell\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T11:10:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T11:10:30","slug":"do-you-suffer-from-bad-dreams-and-nightmares-some-are-plagued-by-them-for-20-years-but-brilliantly-simple-new-techniques-and-treatments-to-end-them-for-good-are-transforming-lives-as-expert-dr-ell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vale50plus.org\/clone\/do-you-suffer-from-bad-dreams-and-nightmares-some-are-plagued-by-them-for-20-years-but-brilliantly-simple-new-techniques-and-treatments-to-end-them-for-good-are-transforming-lives-as-expert-dr-ell\/","title":{"rendered":"Do YOU suffer from bad dreams and nightmares? Some are plagued by them for 20 years – but brilliantly simple new techniques and treatments to end them for good are transforming lives, as expert DR ELLIE explains\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By DR ELLIE CANNON, MAIL ON SUNDAY COLUMNIST AND GP<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published:<\/span>

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I have suffered stressful dreams and nightmares for 20 years. How can I make them stop?<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr Ellie replies<\/span><\/span><\/span>:<\/span><\/span> Disturbing dreams and nightmares over many years are likely to be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<\/p>\n

This is a response to trauma in which the brain continues to replay a distressing event long after it has passed. As well as nightmares, it may cause flashbacks, anger, low mood, relationship issues and feelings of worthlessness.<\/p>\n

There is also a related condition called complex PTSD, which tends to arise from repeated traumatic events rather than a single incident. Both conditions can be serious and long-term, but they are treatable.<\/p>\n

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Disturbing dreams and nightmares over many years are likely to be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), says Dr Ellie<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A GP can begin treatment while a referral is being arranged, and medication is often the starting point, using antidepressants such as sertraline and venlafaxine.<\/p>\n

In some cases a psychiatrist may also recommend taking an antipsychotic medication. Short-term sedatives can be used to help with sleep while longer-term treatment gets under way.<\/p>\n

However, specialist talking therapy is the cornerstone of PTSD treatment.<\/p>\n

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one option, but the approach most commonly used today is known as EMDR \u2013 eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing \u2013 a psychological therapy which is thought to help the brain process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of flashbacks.<\/p>\n

Trauma clinics are available on the NHS, and the UK Psychological Trauma Society lists specialist services across the country, but an appointment with your GP is always the best place to start.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve developed an uncomfortable pain in my upper chest and stomach. My GP says it\u2019s likely to be shingles but there is no rash. What do you think it could be?<\/span><\/p>\n

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I\u2019ve developed an uncomfortable pain in my upper chest and stomach. My GP says it\u2019s likely to be shingles but there is no rash. What do you think it could be?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dr Ellie replies:<\/span> It is entirely possible to have shingles without a rash.<\/p>\n

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which lies dormant in a nerve after the original childhood infection. It can remain there for decades before something triggers it back into activity \u2013 often older age, stress or another illness that temporarily weakens the immune system.<\/p>\n

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Did collagen work its magic on your skin?<\/h3>\n
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The world has gone collagen mad. It has long been touted as an anti-wrinkle remedy that also boosts joint and muscle health, and now M&S has launched its Collagen Ball packed with mango, passionfruit, collagen and other vitamins.<\/span><\/p>\n

But many of the trials claiming it boosts skin elasticity, hydration and moisture have been funded by the supplement industry, so I\u2019m interested to hear what you think. Do you take a collagen supplement? Has it helped? Write and let me know. Email me at DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

In a typical case, shingles produces a blistery, band-shaped rash. The pain is very specific \u2013 a burning or prickling sensation often described as small electric shocks or cigarette burns, with the skin becoming extremely sensitive to touch or clothing.<\/p>\n

However, the virus can reactivate without producing any visible rash at all. For this reason, the GP\u2019s diagnosis is entirely plausible.<\/p>\n

Treatment remains the same. Antiviral medication can be prescribed early and, for nerve pain, specific nerve painkillers are the most effective approach. Amitriptyline is a particularly useful option as it is taken at night and can also improve sleep.<\/p>\n

If a patient has not had the shingles vaccine \u2013 which is routinely offered to older people \u2013 then they might be given it. This will not help ease current symptoms but will, instead, reduce the severity of any future episodes.<\/p>\n

Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\n Do YOU suffer from bad dreams and nightmares? Some are plagued by them for 20 years – but brilliantly simple new techniques and treatments to end them for good are transforming lives, as expert DR ELLIE explains\u2026<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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