Source: Sola Ogundipe

Frequent bad dreams may be more deadly than smoking or obesity, researchers say

A new study by researchers at Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute has found that frequent nightmares could triple the risk of dying before the age of 70, surpassing traditional risk factors like smoking, obesity, and poor diet.

The landmark study, involving more than 185,000 people over 19 years, found that adults who experience weekly nightmares are three times more likely to die prematurely than those who sleep peacefully. Even monthly nightmares were linked to accelerated biological ageing and higher mortality rates.

“Our brains don’t always know the difference between a nightmare and reality. The stress responses are real—and night after night, they can wear the body down,” said Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, lead investigator of the study.

What the Study Found

• Weekly nightmares were more predictive of early death than smoking or a sedentary lifestyle.
• Children and adults with frequent bad dreams showed faster biological ageing, contributing to about 40% of their increased risk of dying young.
• Even occasional nightmares (once a month) were associated with biological stress and reduced lifespan.
• Nightmares can lead to chronic spikes in cortisol, the stress hormone, and disrupt restorative sleep cycles.

Why Nightmares Are Dangerous

Frequent nightmares aren’t just unsettling—they trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline levels.

“These stress reactions mimic real danger. Over time, they strain the cardiovascular and nervous systems,” Otaiku explained.

Chronic poor sleep quality, caused in part by these stress surges, is linked to a host of health issues, from heart disease and diabetes to mental health disorders and cognitive decline.

How to Reduce the Risk

The good news is: nightmares are treatable. Experts recommend the following evidence-based interventions:

• Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): Patients mentally rewrite the ending of recurring nightmares.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Treats underlying sleep disturbances and reduces nightmares.
• Good sleep hygiene: Avoid caffeine late in the day, limit screen time before bed, and keep a consistent sleep schedule.
• Stress management: Meditation, breathing exercises, or limiting exposure to scary or traumatic content (such as horror films).

When to Seek Help

According to experts, you may have a sleep quality problem if:

• Nightmares or night terrors wake you up regularly.
• You wake up tired even after 7–8 hours of sleep.
• You toss and turn for more than 30 minutes before falling asleep or staying asleep.

Doctors now urge that nightmare frequency be added to standard health screenings, alongside diet, exercise, and blood pressure checks.