How was the nightmare research conducted?
"Nightmares Linked to Increased Risk of Early Death"
What kind of research was conducted?
According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom,
people who frequently experience nightmares
have a risk of early death that is three times higher than those who do not.
This risk factor is an even stronger predictor than smoking, obesity, or lack of exercise.
Dr. Otaiku's team from Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute
studied 2,429 children aged 8 to 10
180,312 adults aged 26 to 86 years old
This is the result of a long-term 19-year follow-up study.
Participants responded to the question, 'How often do you have nightmares?',
and the research team analyzed their biological aging and time of death.
What were the results?
People who had nightmares at least once a week
had a threefold increased risk of dying before age 70.
Their telomeres (genetic markers related to aging) were shorter than average,
and this factor explained about 40% of the cases of early death.
Whether children or adults, those who frequently experienced nightmares
also tended to age biologically at a faster rate.
We found out the reason.
Nightmares are more than just scary dreams.
They stimulate the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol,
causing problems such as high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and insomnia.
It lowers the quality and duration of sleep, even interfering with the body's recovery functions.
So what measures are needed?
Dr. Otaiku offered the following advice:
"Nightmares are common, but they should never be taken lightly."
"Reducing stress and anxiety, avoiding horror movies, and creating a comfortable sleep environment
are small steps that can help reduce nightmares."
"Nightmares Are Also a Sign of Health"
"Don't Just Overlook It"
