Stephen Strange's life is difficult. If someone does not take measures, even sleep might be fatal. Stephen collapses at his desk in Strange Tales #122, capping off numerous restless days. When he awakens, he is confronted and defeated by a strange robed person. None of Doctor Strange's magical abilities function. He now understands why: he's dreaming, and Nightmare is scripting the script. In his tiredness, Stephen failed to recite the incantation that guards against such things. Despite Nightmare's supremacy in dreams, Stephen manages to outsmart him and return to the waking world. The cost of being unable to sleep comfortably is enormous.