The ‘hidden’ risk behind frequent nightmares

People who suffer from nightmaking frequent risk three times higher of premature death, according to a new study presented at this year’s meeting of European Academy of Neurology (EAN).

The research also pointed out that these individuals have accelerated biological aging, with their bodies demonstrating overwhelming expected to their age.

According to neuroscientist Dr. Abidemi Otaiku of Imperial College London, the nightmares triggers intense physiological reactions – such as sweating, tachycardia, and breathing breathing – because the sleeping brain does not distinguish dreams from reality, activating the fight or escape response.

This repeated night stress can be more intense than situations experienced during the day.

Study discoveries

• The study analyzed data from over 183,000 adults and 2,400 children in the US.
• Adults who reported weekly nightmares had a risk of death before 70 years more than three times higher, even considering factors such as smoking, obesity or physical inactivity.
• Even monthly nightmares have shown negative effects on longevity and cellular health.

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Biological aging was measured through the length of the telomeres, DNA structures associated with cell age. Stress caused by nightmares and poor quality sleep contributes to the shortening of telomeres and cell decline.

There is a way to ward off nightmares

The good news, according to Otaiku, is that nightmares is treatable. Improving sleep habits, reducing stress and seeking psychological treatment can help. The researcher argues that nightmares are recognized as a relevant public health problem.