While getting enough sleep is widely regarded as one of the core aspects of a healthy lifestyle, the quality of your rest is also crucial.
New research has revealed that experiencing nightmares each week more than triples a person's likelihood of dying before age 70, with the culprit being elevated cortisol levels that accelerate cellular ageing.
The groundbreaking study found nightmares to be a "stronger predictor of premature death" than established health risks, including smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity.
Scientists from the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London warned that their findings should be treated as a "public health concern".
They emphasised that the stress hormone cortisol (released during nightmares) causes faster cellular deterioration than many traditional risk factors, including smoking and obesity.
Frequent nightmares could be behind accelerated ageing and even a premature death
GETTY
The comprehensive study analysed data from 2,429 children aged eight to 10 and 183,012 adults aged 26 to 86 over 19 years, presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress this month.
Researchers discovered that frequent nightmares accelerated ageing in both children and adults, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of those with higher early death risk.
Even monthly nightmares were associated with faster ageing and increased mortality compared to those experiencing no nightmares.
The links remained consistent across all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and mental health statuses, marking the first study to demonstrate how nightmares can predict faster biological ageing and earlier mortality.
LATEST TIPS AND TRICKS ON GETTING A GOOD NIGHT'S REST
Dr Abidemi Otaiku, who led the research team, explained the biological mechanism behind the findings, saying: "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. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake."
He added: "Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular ageing. For those who frequently experience nightmares, this cumulative stress may significantly impact the ageing process."
The research found that nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration, impairing the body's overnight cellular restoration and repair ability.
Nightmares are preventable and treatable, the study found
GETTY
"The good news is that nightmares can be prevented and treated," said Dr Otaiku, offering hope for those looking to remedy their haunted dreams.
Dr Otaiku warned: "Given how common and modifiable nightmares are, they should be taken far more seriously as a public health concern."
Simple measures, including good sleep hygiene, managing stress, seeking treatment for anxiety or depression, and avoiding scary films, can effectively reduce nightmares.
The NHS advises those who struggle with nightmares at night to do three things to combat the bad dreams, including attempting to build a relaxing bedtime routine.
Additionally, keeping a sleep diary can prove beneficial to identify any causes of the terrors, noting down the activities that you did during the day, how you felt and how you slept. Combatting the reasons behind any underlying stress or anxiety could help too, the service added.
Most Read
