Frequent nightmares not only disrupt our sleep but also elevate stress hormone cortisol levels, potentially causing serious long-term health consequences. Recent research reveals that people who regularly experience nightmares age faster biologically and face a significantly higher risk of premature death.
Dr. Abidemi Otaiku from Imperial College London said, “Those who frequently have nightmares tend to age more rapidly and have a higher risk of dying early.”
The study analyzed data from over 183,000 adults aged between 26 and 86. Participants initially self-reported their frequency of nightmares and were then followed for periods ranging from 1.5 to 19 years. The findings showed that individuals experiencing nightmares weekly were more than three times as likely to die before the age of 70 compared to those who rarely or never had nightmares.
Otaiku emphasized a clear association between nightmares and mortality risk. His team also found that nightmare frequency predicted premature death better than smoking, obesity, poor diet, or lack of exercise. He is scheduled to present these findings at the 2025 European Academy of Neurology conference in Helsinki on June 23.
To assess biological age, researchers measured telomere length—a DNA sequence at the ends of chromosomes that shortens with each cell division and is a key marker of aging. The study included data on about 2,400 children aged 8 to 10, whose nightmare frequency was reported by parents. Adults’ biological age was further evaluated using molecular markers known as the epigenetic clock.
Otaiku explained, “We found a consistent link between frequent nightmares and accelerated aging across all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Even in childhood, more frequent nightmares were associated with shorter telomeres, indicating faster cellular aging.” In adults, accelerated biological aging accounted for roughly 40% of the increased mortality risk.
Regarding possible causes, Otaiku suggested two main factors. First, nightmares trigger prolonged elevation of cortisol, the stress hormone known to accelerate cellular aging. “Nightmares often cause heart rates to spike, inducing a stress response more intense than anything we experience while awake,” he noted.
Second, disrupted sleep caused by nightmares interferes with the body’s nighttime cell repair processes. Sleep disturbance is linked to higher risks of various diseases, including heart disease.
To reduce nightmare frequency, Otaiku recommends simple measures such as avoiding horror movies and seeking treatment for anxiety and other mental health issues.
Dr. Guy Leschziner, a neurologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, called the findings “fascinating and biologically plausible,” but stressed the need for further research to confirm causality. He noted that nightmares might be influenced by age-related illnesses and medications, which could affect the results.
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