All about maladaptive daydreaming (MD): causes, therapies and self-help strategies

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a particularly profound form of immersion in unrealistic content that accompanies an exuberant imagination and a tendency to regularly escape from the present into inner images and imaginary worlds over extended periods of time. This tendency is the fundamental characteristic of maladaptive daydreaming. It is not an everyday experience for most people. However, it is also not uncommon, as evidenced by the increasing number of MD groups.

The result is excessive daydreaming that interferes with daily life. Maladaptive daydreaming can serve as a kind of dissociative "surge protection", for example, in PTSD or dissociative disorders. There is also an obvious connection to neuroatypical (autistic and attention-related) spectrum disorders. Although maladaptive daydreaming is not an official psychiatric diagnosis, it is currently the focus of psychological research, which has led to the development of specific tests, such as the Daydreaming Self-Test [see below].

Understanding some of the differences is essential to recognising the unique psychological dynamics and effects of maladaptive daydreaming compared to normal mind wandering.

Definitions

Mind Wandering (MW)

Definition

Mind wandering (MW) refers to a mental state in which attention becomes detached from a current task or the immediate environment and instead becomes preoccupied with internal thoughts or fantasies.

MW often occurs unconsciously or spontaneously. It is a natural and everyday process in which the mind wanders from one thought to another without necessarily being deeply involved emotionally.

The episodes of MW are typically brief and varied, without focusing on specific or detailed scenarios. They are often random and can be triggered by external stimuli or internal thoughts.

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD)

Definition

Maladaptive daydreaming is a much more intense and extensive form of daydreaming. It is characterised by extremely vivid and detailed daydreams that involve a strong emotional connection and often a complex plot.

In contrast to maladaptive daydreaming, which is often a conscious and deliberate process, individuals actively immerse themselves in their daydream world and shape it. Maladaptive daydreaming can serve as an escape mechanism or a coping mechanism for emotional problems.

Maladaptive daydreams are longer, more thematically focused and more structured. They can last for hours or even days and are often linked to personal wishes, goals or scenarios that are deeply rooted in the psyche.

Comparison

Ordinariness vs. intensity:

While MW is a commonplace and regular part of mental life, maladaptive daydreaming represents an extreme form of daydreaming that can interfere with daily life and well-being.

Spontaneity vs. structure:

MW is spontaneous and unstructured, whereas maladaptive daydreaming is structured and often consciously controlled by the person.

Short-term distraction vs. long-term behaviour:

MW serves as a short-term mental distraction, whereas maladaptive daydreaming serves as a long-term escape or coping mechanism.

Introduction

Maladaptive daydreaming, a frequently overlooked and underappreciated phenomenon, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. A link between maladaptive daydreaming and other mental illnesses is still being researched. Some studies indicate a link between maladaptive daydreaming and other disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, dissociative disorder and psychosis. Research has also shown that maladaptive daydreaming may share characteristics with behavioural addictions such as internet gaming. Of particular interest is the role childhood trauma may have in the onset and development of these disorders. However, it is not yet clear how these disorders are related explicitly to maladaptive daydreaming. Further research is therefore essential to fully understand these relationships.

Maladaptive daydreaming and its connection to other disorders

There are both overlaps and distinguishing features between maladaptive daydreaming and other mental disorders. In all cases, attention must be paid to both maladaptive daydreaming and the underlying mental health problems.

Maladaptive daydreaming and addiction

Similarities in the dynamics

Addictive behaviour and maladaptive daydreaming have similar behavioural dynamics. Both can act as a form of escape from reality or as a means of coping with emotional difficulties. In addictive behaviour, individuals resort to substances or activities that provide short-term gratification or relief from negative feelings—similarly, individuals with maladaptive daydreaming use daydreaming as a mechanism to escape unpleasant realities or emotional states.

Reinforcement and dependence

A cycle of reinforcement can be observed in both addictive and maladaptive daydreaming. In addictive behaviour, consuming the substance or engaging in the activity leads to a short-term reward or relief, which reinforces the desire for more. In maladaptive daydreaming, immersion in daydreaming can enhance the need to continue daydreaming, particularly if it is perceived as an effective method of emotional regulation.

Negative effects on daily life

Both behaviours can lead to adverse effects on daily life. Addictive behaviour can lead to health problems, interpersonal difficulties and negative social consequences. Maladaptive daydreaming can also become problematic if it leads to neglect of real-life responsibilities, social isolation or a reduced ability to deal with the real world.

Coping mechanism

Both addiction and maladaptive daydreaming can be seen as dysfunctional coping mechanisms for deeper psychological problems such as anxiety, depression or trauma. They serve to distract from these problems in the short term, but this does not provide a long-term solution and often leads to an exacerbation of the underlying issues.

Maladaptive daydreaming and dissociative disorders

The so-called "dissociative immersion" is a key component of maladaptive daydreaming and involves the internal (e.g., daydreaming) or external (e.g., reading a book or watching a film) narrowing of attention to an absolute degree. Dissociative immersion differs from symptoms of attention deficit disorder and mind wandering (MW).

Connection to maladaptive daydreaming

Maladaptive daydreaming can be considered a form of dissociation in many ways. Dissociation is a mental process in which a person experiences a disconnection between their thoughts, feelings, memories, or even their sense of identity. In the case of maladaptive daydreaming, sufferers use daydreaming as a way of distancing themselves from their current reality or emotional states. This form of dissociation serves as a mechanism to cope with emotional dysregulation—a difficulty in experiencing, processing, and responding to emotions appropriately.

Maladaptive daydreaming as a coping strategy

For individuals who experience maladaptive daydreaming, daydreaming often becomes a means of avoiding or managing unpleasant or overwhelming emotions. Rather than dealing directly with these emotions or the underlying issues, maladaptive daydreamers allow themselves to immerse themselves in a world where they feel safe and in control. This escape into the world of daydreaming can provide temporary relief but often leads to neglect of the real world and its challenges.

Dissociation and emotional dysregulation

The tendency towards dissociative states, as observed in maladaptive daydreaming, is closely linked to emotional dysregulation. This dysregulation can arise for a variety of reasons, including trauma, mental disorders or developmental disorders. Maladaptive daydreaming, as a dissociative process, enables individuals to mitigate their emotional reactivity and distance themselves from the stressful aspects of their lives.

Long-term consequences

Whilst maladaptive daydreaming can be an effective method of coping with emotional distress in the short term, in the long term, it carries the risk of increased alienation from reality. This continued dissociation can lead to further difficulties in emotional regulation and in coping with real-life situations.

Maladaptive daydreaming and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

While both maladaptive daydreaming and OCD can involve obsessive thoughts, maladaptive daydreaming is characterised by vivid and imaginative daydreams that alter the sense of agency and involve a motivation to turn attention inward. In contrast, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised by intrusive thoughts, worries or ruminations that occur involuntarily. Similarly, maladaptive daydreaming differs from OCD in its immersive and purposeful nature, whereas OCD is spontaneous, uncontrolled and fragmentary.

Similarities in behavioural patterns

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and maladaptive daydreaming share some characteristic behavioural patterns. In OCD, these patterns often manifest in repetitive, unwanted thoughts (compulsions) and/or behaviours (rituals) that are intended to help the person reduce anxiety or discomfort. In maladaptive daydreaming, on the other hand, the pattern manifests itself in excessive, often consciously induced daydreaming, which serves as an escape or coping mechanism for emotional stress.

Need for control and an escape mechanism.

A strong need for control can be observed in both obsessive-compulsive disorder and maladaptive daydreaming. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder try to gain a sense of control over their anxiety through rituals. In the case of maladaptive daydreaming, those affected use daydreaming as a means to escape into a controllable, often idealised world in which they feel safe.

Emotional regulation

Emotional regulation difficulties play a role in both disorders. Compulsive behaviour often serves to reduce discomfort or anxiety. Similarly, maladaptive daydreaming serves as a means of coping with negative feelings or stress by immersing the person in their daydream world.

Cyclical nature and reinforcement

Another common element is the cyclical nature of both disorders. In OCD, giving in to a compulsion can bring short-term relief, but often leads to a reinforcement of the compulsion in the long term. Similarly, in maladaptive daydreaming, immersing oneself in daydreams can have a temporary calming effect; however, in the long term, it increases the need for and dependence on daydreaming.

Maladaptive daydreaming and depression

Connection

Maladaptive daydreaming can occur in depression both as a symptom and as a coping mechanism. Depression tempts people to escape into maladaptive daydreaming to escape the real world, but this can increase isolation and other symptoms of depression.

Reinforcement of negative emotions

Persistent maladaptive daydreaming can lead to an increased focus on negative thoughts and feelings. This exacerbates the depressive symptoms.

Maladaptive daydreaming and anxiety disorders

Escape from anxiety

Maladaptive daydreaming can serve as an escape from anxiety and stress-inducing situations. Those affected can use maladaptive daydreaming as a means to retreat into a safer, more controllable world.

Avoidance behaviour

However, this leads to avoidance in the long term and undermines the ability to develop effective coping strategies for anxiety.

Maladaptive daydreaming and bipolar disorder

Fluctuations in daydreaming

In bipolar disorder, the intensity and frequency of maladaptive daydreaming can vary with mood swings. In manic phases, daydreams may be more intense and grandiose, while in depressive phases, they may become more sombre.

Influencing the reference to reality

The boundary between reality and fantasy can become blurred in extreme mood phases, which can complicate the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Maladaptive daydreaming and borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Emotional regulation

For people with BPD, who often have difficulties with emotional regulation, maladaptive daydreaming can be a method of tolerating or regulating intense emotions.

Intensification of symptoms

At the same time, maladaptive daydreaming can lead to an intensification of symptoms such as impulsivity, identity conflicts and interpersonal problems that are characteristic of BPD.

Maladaptive daydreaming and psychosis

Distinguishing between reality and fantasy

While maladaptive daydreaming is not a psychosis per se, in individuals prone to psychotic episodes, intense daydreaming can impair the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

Risk of amplification

In rare cases, intense maladaptive daydreaming may exacerbate symptoms or trigger psychotic episodes.

Maladaptive daydreaming and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Maladaptive daydreaming and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have some interesting overlaps, but also striking differences, particularly in relation to concentration difficulties and attention processes.

One of the primary characteristics of ADHD is the difficulty in maintaining a chosen direction of attention, leading to a lack of concentration and easy distractibility. The problem is not the lack of focus of attention, but its "seductiveness" to (and adherence to) originally unintended objects of attention. This fundamental problem gives rise to challenges in various aspects of life, ranging from school to professional settings. In contrast, maladaptive daydreaming is characterised by deliberately triggered, intense and often excessive daydreaming, which can be understood as a form of deliberate escape from reality. While ADHD patients have difficulties focusing their attention, maladaptive daydreaming patients deliberately direct daydreams away from the present.

The commonality between maladaptive daydreaming and ADHD is the tendency to hyperfocus with intense emotional and cognitive involvement. In ADHD, those affected lose themselves in some regions of interest or activities and then completely block out their surroundings. In maladaptive daydreaming, on the other hand, this hyperfocus is directed exclusively towards the inner world of daydreams, so while ADHD is often associated with external sources of stimulation, which can manifest itself in impulsive behaviour and hyperactivity, maladaptive daydreaming is more associated with an internal escape into one's own world of thoughts. While ADHD manifests itself in an inability to regulate and sustain attention, maladaptive daydreaming offers a refuge into an inner world as a defence reaction to external stimuli or emotional stress.

Maladaptive daydreaming and autism

Maladaptive daydreaming in individuals with autism spectrum disorders provides an interesting perspective on the functioning of maladaptive daydreaming as a means of self-regulation or as a response to socialisation difficulties. Autism is characterised by a wide range of behaviour and communication patterns, and for many individuals, social interaction can be challenging. Maladaptive daydreaming can occur in this context as a form of coping, allowing individuals to retreat into an inner world where social interactions are controllable and less stressful. This retreat into the world of daydreaming is then a self-regulatory mechanism against overstimulation or emotional overload. The intense world of maladaptive daydreaming provides a safe space where emotions and thoughts can be processed in a way that may not be accessible in the real world. This is particularly relevant for individuals with autism who struggle to understand and express their emotions.

When looking at maladaptive daydreaming, ADHD and autism, it is noticeable that although intense daydreaming is a standard feature, it manifests itself in different contexts. In maladaptive daydreaming, intense daydreaming is central and often plays a dominant role in the lives of those affected. In ADHD, intense daydreaming can occur as a by-product of difficulties with attention regulation. At the same time, in autism, it can serve as a mechanism for coping with social and emotional challenges. In all three cases, daydreaming serves as a means to cope with internal or external stressors. Although the specific triggers and functions of daydreaming may vary, the tendency to withdraw into an inner world is a common link. This commonality emphasises the importance of understanding the individual experiences and backgrounds of those affected to develop appropriate therapeutic strategies.

Maladaptive daydreaming and trauma

The link between childhood trauma and maladaptive daydreaming is a fascinating and complex aspect of psychological research. Childhood trauma, which includes violence and other traumatic experiences, leaves deep psychological scars that strongly influence an individual's later life. Those who have experienced violence and other forms of childhood trauma will have difficulty recognising their own history. This can lead to various coping strategies, one of which is maladaptive daydreaming.

Maladaptive daydreaming, characterised by intense and frequent daydreaming that interferes with everyday life, can serve as a form of escape or coping mechanism for unprocessed traumas. In this world of daydreaming, individuals often find a refuge that allows them to gain control over their experiences and emotions that they find overwhelming in the real world.

Maladaptive daydreaming allows individuals to process feelings and experiences in a way that may not be accessible or safe in their real-world environment.

These observations suggest that maladaptive daydreaming is more than a simple escape into fantasy; it is a complex psychological response to unprocessed inner states.

Therapeutic approaches and coping strategies

Various therapeutic approaches are used to treat maladaptive daydreaming in the context of mental disorders and self-management techniques. The effectiveness of these therapeutic approaches and techniques varies from individual to individual, and sometimes a combination of different methods is required to meet the specific needs and challenges of those affected. The treatment of maladaptive daydreaming, therefore, requires a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. While psychotherapeutic methods address the underlying emotional and cognitive aspects of maladaptive daydreaming, medication may be necessary to treat concomitant mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or ADHD.

Maladaptive daydreaming is often a long-term problem that requires ongoing care and regular adjustments to the treatment plan.

In addition, the focus should not only be on reducing the symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming, but also on promoting overall mental and physical health. This includes: Exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep and social contact.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for maladaptive daydreaming

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a practical approach to treating a variety of mental disorders, including maladaptive daydreaming. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviours.

Psychodynamic therapy

Addressing underlying conflicts

This form of therapy uncovers unconscious conflicts and traumas that trigger or reinforce maladaptive daydreaming and helps to overcome them.

Understanding the function of maladaptive daydreaming

The therapy supports the understanding of maladaptive daydreaming as a coping strategy for unresolved emotional problems.

 Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT)

Focus on understanding mental states

MBT helps individuals understand their own thoughts and feelings better, as well as those of others. In the case of maladaptive daydreaming, this helps to sharpen the distinction between reality and the daydream world.

Improving emotional regulation

MBT also helps to better recognise and regulate inner states as emotional reactions and needs. Escaping into fantasy becomes superfluous.

Narrative therapy

Redefining one's own story

Through narrative therapy, individuals affected by maladaptive daydreaming can re-evaluate and rewrite their life story as they gain a different perspective on themselves.

Separation of person and problem

This method helps to see maladaptive daydreaming as a "problem" that you have, not one that you are.

Self-management techniques for maladaptive daydreaming

1. Identification and review of thought patterns

Technique:

Identifying negative or irrational thought patterns that lead to maladaptive daydreaming. This includes recognising and challenging the reality distortions or self-criticism associated with maladaptive daydreaming.

Exercise:

Thought logs - Keep a log in which you note the thoughts that occur before, during and after daydreaming. Then evaluate these thoughts for rationality and look for more realistic and healthier alternatives.

2. development of coping strategies

Technique:

Learning techniques for coping with stress, anxiety or other emotions that might trigger maladaptive daydreaming.

Exercise:

Relaxation techniques - Learn grounding and relaxation techniques, such as 4-4-4 breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), or guided meditation, to reduce anxiety and stress.

3. behaviour change

Technique:

Changing the behaviours associated with maladaptive daydreaming and encouraging healthier activities.

Exercise:

Activity Planning - Schedule daily activities that you enjoy, such as sports, art, music, or social interactions, to reduce dependence on daydreaming.

4. Building a connection to reality

Technique:

Strengthen your connection to the real world to reduce escaping into daydreams. Take deliberate breaks regularly throughout the day to become aware of your surroundings and reassure yourself of what is real and what is daydreaming.

Exercise:

Walk in nature - Go for a walk for at least 20 minutes every day. Concentrate on the things you see, hear and feel. Try to immerse yourself in the experience of walking fully.

5. mindfulness

Technique:

The practice of mindfulness focuses on staying in the present moment and consciously noticing your surroundings, thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Exercise:

Simple breathing exercise - Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Concentrate on your breath. Observe how the air flows in and out. If your thoughts wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Do this for 5-10 minutes.

6. self-reflection

Technique:

Self-understanding to create awareness about the frequency and content of daydreams. Creative activities, such as painting, writing, or music, are other means of expressing emotions and thoughts.

Exercise:

Daydream log - Every time you catch yourself daydreaming, write down the date, time, duration and content of the daydream. At the end of the day, reflect on the patterns and triggers that have emerged.

7. structured daily plans

Technique:

Create a structured daily schedule to encourage productive activities and limit time spent daydreaming.

Practice:

Plan your day with set times for work, meals, relaxation and hobbies. Try to stick to this plan, and at the end of the day, evaluate how well you followed it and how it has influenced your daydreams.

Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to make changes.

Summary

1. Maladaptive daydreaming as a form of dissociation: Maladaptive daydreaming can be understood as a form of dissociation that often occurs in response to emotional dysregulation. Maladaptive daydreaming enables individuals to distance themselves from distressing emotions or experiences, offering a temporary escape into a controllable fantasy world.

2. link to mental disorders: Maladaptive daydreaming shows significant overlap with several mental disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and, in some cases, even tendencies towards psychotic episodes. These links emphasise the complexity of maladaptive daydreaming as a psychological phenomenon.

3. Therapeutic approaches and self-management: The treatment of maladaptive daydreaming requires a holistic approach that takes into account both psychological and medical aspects. Therapy options, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mentalization-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, are effective. Additionally, self-management techniques such as mindfulness, creative expression, structured daily schedules, and self-reflection can support the management of maladaptive daydreaming.

4. Importance of a comprehensive approach: An effective treatment plan for maladaptive daydreaming should include the integration of various therapeutic disciplines to address both the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder. This consists of an individualised approach and long-term adaptation of therapy to the specific needs and changes in the individual's life.

5. Importance of understanding maladaptive daydreaming: A thorough understanding of maladaptive daydreaming and its relationship to other mental disorders is critical to developing effective treatment strategies. This understanding helps to consider maladaptive daydreaming not just as an isolated phenomenon, but in the context of overall emotional and mental health.

Understanding maladaptive daydreaming and its role in the spectrum of mental disorders is a growing field that requires further research.

Outlook

1. Deeper research into the causes: There is a need to investigate the exact causes and mechanisms of maladaptive daydreaming in more detail. In particular, the role of trauma, emotional dysregulation and their connection to maladaptive daydreaming must be further researched.

2. Development of specific treatment approaches: Currently, treatment methods from related psychological fields are being adapted for the treatment of maladaptive daydreaming. There is a need for specific, evidence-based treatment approaches that directly target maladaptive daydreaming.

3. Long-term studies on the effectiveness of therapies: To assess and compare the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches in treating maladaptive daydreaming, long-term studies are necessary.

4. Integration into diagnostic manuals: The inclusion of maladaptive daydreaming in official diagnostic manuals, such as the DSM or ICD, could facilitate and standardise the research, diagnosis, and treatment of maladaptive daydreaming.

5. Promoting acceptance and support: People with maladaptive daydreaming need a supportive environment and acceptance. Raising society's awareness of this disorder can help to reduce stigmatisation and make it easier for those affected to access help and support.

6. Interdisciplinary research: Promoting multidisciplinary research that integrates different aspects of maladaptive daydreaming, such as psychology, neurology and social sciences, could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of maladaptive daydreaming.

Increasing recognition and research into maladaptive daydreaming will ultimately help identify any pathological changes associated with this condition, develop more effective treatment strategies, and improve the lives of those living with this challenge.

Are you affected? Take the test

The 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale by Eli Somer, Jayne Bigelsen, Jonathan Lehrfeld and Daniela Jopp (2016) consists of 16 questions. These questions were developed to assess the degree of maladaptive daydreaming in adolescents or adults. Score each set from 0 to 100.

1. Is your daydreaming triggered by music? (0 Never, 100 Very often)

2. If an event in the real world interrupted one of your daydreams, how strong was your need to return to that daydream as soon as possible? (0 Zero, 100 Extremely)

3. How often are your current daydreams accompanied by vocal sounds or facial expressions (e.g. laughing, talking or mouth movements)? (0 Never, 100 Very often)

4. How much does it bother you when you are unable to daydream as much as usual due to real-world commitments? (0 Not at all, 100 Extremely distressing)

5. How much does your daydreaming interfere with your ability to complete essential tasks? (0 Not at all impaired, 100 Extremely impaired)

6. How concerned are you currently about the time you spend daydreaming? (0 Not at all concerned, 100 Extremely concerned)

7. When you know you have something important or difficult to do, how difficult is it for you to stay on task and accomplish the goal without daydreaming? (0 No difficulty at all, 100 Extreme difficulty)

8. Do you feel that your daydreaming gets in the way of achieving your overall life goals? (0 Not hindered at all, 100 Extremely hindered)

9. How difficult was it for you to keep your daydreaming under control? (0 No difficulty at all, 100 Extreme difficulty)

10. When the real world interrupts one of your daydreams, how annoyed do you usually feel? (0 Not at all annoyed, 100 Extremely annoyed)

11. How much does your daydreaming interfere with your academic/professional success? (0 Not affected at all, 100 Extremely affected)

12. Would you prefer to daydream instead of socialising or pursuing hobbies? (0 Not at all, 100 To the full extent)

13. When you wake up in the morning, how strong is your urge to start daydreaming immediately? (0 No urge at all, 100 Extreme urge)

14. How often are your current daydreams accompanied by physical activities such as walking up and down, swinging or shaking your hands? (0 Never, 100 Very often)

15. Do you find dreaming calming and/or pleasant? (0 Not at all calming/pleasant, 100 Very calming/pleasant)

16. Is your daydreaming dependent on continued listening to music? (0 Not dependent, 100 Completely dependent)

At the end, the average of all answers between the minimum score of 0 and the maximum score of 100 is calculated: i.e. the sum of the individual scores divided by 16.

Interpretation of the scores

• 0 to 39: standard range, maladaptive daydreaming is unlikely.

• 40 or more: maladaptive daydreaming is likely.

These scores apply to adolescents and adults aged 13 and over; children may have higher or lower scores. A clinical assessment is required for diagnosis. Try the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale online: http://traumadissociation.com/mds#languages

Sources

Psychology Today: Do You Suffer From Maladaptive Daydreaming?

PubMed: Maladaptive daydreaming: Evidence for an under-researched mental health disorder

Maladaptive Daydreaming Centre - Reddit Community: Reddit - Maladaptive Daydreaming Centre

ISSTD - Self Care Resources: Self Care Resources for the Public - ISSTD

Deutschlandfunk Nova: Maladaptive daydreaming: When dreaming becomes an addiction