No refuge: an exploratory survey of nightmares, dreams, and sleep patterns in women dealing with relationship violence.

This exploratory survey examined the dreams, nightmares, and sleep patterns of 30 women who were dealing with relationship violence. The sample of women was taken from two transition homes and a family counseling center. The findings indicate that 50% of the sample experienced nightmares on a weekly basis. Some of the dream images included drowning, being chased, being killed, or killing others. Slightly more than half (56%) experienced a recurring dream. Most women had trouble falling asleep and, on average, slept for 6.1 hours per night. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.