Nightmares are more common in children than in adults because

• A. children have more vivid imaginations than adults.
• B. children spend more of their sleep in the REM state.
• C. growth hormones are released from the pituitary during non-REM sleep.
• D. children suffer from lost sleep more often than adults.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Nightmares are a type of parasomnia that occur during sleep, often causing distress and awakening.
2. Identify the key difference in sleep patterns: Children spend a larger proportion of their sleep in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage compared to adults.
3. Recognize the significance of REM sleep: REM sleep is the stage where vivid dreaming occurs, which can lead to nightmares.
4. Consider the role of imagination: While children have vivid imaginations, the physiological aspect of spending more time in REM sleep is a more direct explanation for frequent nightmares.
5. Connect the information: The increased time spent in REM sleep by children is a primary reason for the higher occurrence of nightmares, as this is the stage where dreams, including nightmares, are most likely to occur.