

According to experts, maladaptive daydreaming could be a coping mechanism for trauma, abuse, or loneliness. These daydreams can interfere with important tasks and responsibilities, both personally and professionally. Maladaptive daydreaming is a condition in which individuals have vivid daydreams that can distract them from their everyday lives. Treating maladaptive daydreaming can include good sleep hygiene, tackling daytime fatigue, being aware of your symptoms, and professional therapy. A test can help determine whether a person has this condition or is experiencing normal daydreams.

Other symptoms of maladaptive daydreaming include difficulty sleeping at night, talking or making facial expressions while daydreaming, and daydreaming for long periods. The person may begin to tune out from personal interactions, studying, and work. Maladaptive daydreaming can impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Different events and stimuli can trigger maladaptive daydreams, such as conversations, movies, news stories, noises, and smells. These daydreams create a positive fantasy world the person can escape to from their real-life environment. Experts say this form of daydreaming may be a way of coping with trauma, abuse, or loneliness. These daydreams can end up interfering with everyday tasks and responsibilities.

Maladaptive daydreaming is when a person experiences intense and distracting daydreams.
