The phrase "recurring nightmare" refers to a bad dream that keeps happening over and over again, causing distress or fear to the person experiencing it. Full definition
Are you several years or decades out of school but still have recurring nightmares of going to class and being totally unprepared for a test? (policygenius.com)
Needless to say I had recurring nightmares about missing something important! (sciencemag.org)
She struggled with recurring nightmares and accident related anxiety on a decreasing level over time. (bwglaw.com)