Could Frequent Nightmares Shorten Your Life? New Research Raises Concerns

Recent research suggests that frequent nightmares may have serious health implications, potentially shortening lifespan by years. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 adults aged 26 to 74 in the US, found that individuals experiencing weekly nightmares were nearly three times more likely to face premature death before age 75 compared to those with infrequent or no nightmares. This association persisted even after accounting for common risk factors such as age, gender, mental health, smoking, and body weight. The investigation also revealed that those with regular nightmares exhibited signs of accelerated biological aging, as indicated by specific epigenetic markers on their DNA. Approximately 39% of the link between nightmares and early mortality could be attributed to this faster aging process. The underlying mechanism appears to involve the stress response triggered during nightmares, especially during REM sleep when the brain is highly active. The surge of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol may lead to ongoing physiological effects, including inflammation and cellular wear, which contribute to aging and health decline. Additionally, nightmares often disrupt...