According to a large new study involving more than 185,000 participants, researchers found a troubling connection between how often people had these types of dreams and signs of faster aging and a greater chance of early death.
Experts from UK Dementia Research and Imperial College London analyzed responses from 183,012 adults ranging in age from 26 to 86, along with 2,429 children aged eight to 10. Their focus was on how frequently these individuals had nightmares.
These self-reports were followed up through interviews for up to 19 years after the initial survey.
In the case of the children, their parents were the ones providing information, sharing how often their kids had frightening dreams.
The study also revealed that people with regular nightmares were aging biologically at a faster pace. Scientists estimated that this sped-up aging explained around 40 percent of their increased risk of dying young.
Why do nightmares increase the risk of early death?
“Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality. That’s why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered,” Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, who led the research, explained.
“This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake.”
He went on to say: “Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular aging.”
“The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely contribute to the accelerated aging of our cells and bodies.”
Dr. Otaiku and his fellow researchers also found something surprising. Experiencing nightmares on a weekly basis turned out to be a stronger predictor of early death than many well-known risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, or being overweight.
In fact, even infrequent nightmares were tied to faster aging and a higher chance of dying early. This highlights how important it is to find ways to reduce how often people experience disturbing dreams.
How can adults eliminate nightmares?
Dr. Otaiku added: “The good news is that nightmares can be prevented and treated.”
“Simple measures like avoiding scary films, maintaining good sleep hygiene, managing stress, and seeking treatment for anxiety or depression can be effective.”
“For those who experience frequent nightmares that disrupt their quality of life, they may benefit from seeing a sleep specialist.”
