Loneliness doesn’t just impact our well-being during the day. According to new research by a team of US scientists, it can also invade our sleep. This invasion leads to more frequent and intense nightmares.
The study, published by US researchers, suggests that feelings of isolation worsen the frequency and intensity of nightmares. A lack of strong social connections causes stress. This stress seems to trigger these disturbing dreams. It interrupts the restorative nature of sleep.
“Nightmares are vivid and often horrifying dreams that often disrupt sleep,” explain the researchers in their paper. Earlier studies have suggested a connection between loneliness and nightmares, but the specific mechanisms linking the two remain unclear.
The research has been published in the Journal of Psychology.
HOW THE STUDY UNFOLDED
The researchers first reanalyzed data from 827 US adults. They found that those who reported greater loneliness also experienced a higher frequency of nightmares. Stress was identified as a key factor mediating the relationship between loneliness and bad dreams.
In a follow-up study with 782 participants, the researchers found that loneliness influenced how often nightmares occurred. It also affected how intense they were. This finding adds a new layer of understanding to how loneliness affects sleep.
EVOLUTIONARY THEORIES OF LONELINESS
The researchers believe that loneliness might trigger an evolutionary response. It serves as an internal warning system, alerting us to the absence of vital social bonds. According to Colin Hessem from Oregon State University, “Hunger alerts us when we’re lacking food. Fatigue alerts us when we need rest. Similarly, loneliness alerts us when we need more interpersonal connections.”
This evolutionary response may push us to seek companionship. However, it also leads to heightened stress. It increases alertness and promotes overthinking. These factors contribute to disrupted sleep and nightmares.
ROLE OF RESTORATIVE SLEEP
Quality sleep is critical for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. When psychological states like loneliness disrupt this sleep, it affects every aspect of health. The team calls for future research to investigate how loneliness affects nightmare content. They also want to determine whether treating loneliness will lead to better sleep outcomes.
Scientists aim to understand how loneliness seeps into our unconscious mind. They hope to uncover new strategies to improve sleep. These strategies will also enhance overall health for those struggling with isolation.