New research reveals a concerning connection between feelings of loneliness and the occurrence of nightmares. A collaborative study involving researchers from Oregon State University, the University of Arizona, the University of Tampa, and Whitworth University has uncovered that individuals experiencing loneliness are more likely to have bad dreams, both in terms of frequency and intensity.
The Lonely Path to Disturbed Sleep
The study, published in the Journal of Psychology, surveyed over 1,600 adults across the United States, ranging from 18 to 81 years old. The findings suggest that loneliness may contribute to nightmares through several psychological mechanisms, including increased stress, rumination (persistent worrying), and hyperarousal (a state of heightened alertness).
Colin Hesse, director of the School of Communication at Oregon State University’s College of Liberal Arts and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of these findings: “Interpersonal relationships are very much a core human need. When people’s need for strong relationships goes unfulfilled, they suffer physically, mentally and socially.”
This research aligns with the evolutionary theory of loneliness, which proposes that a sense of belonging is crucial for human survival. Hesse explains, “Just like hunger or fatigue means you haven’t gotten enough calories or sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert individuals when their needs for interpersonal connection are going unfulfilled.”
Implications for Public Health
The connection between loneliness and nightmares is particularly concerning given the widespread nature of both issues. According to the Sleep Foundation, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Meanwhile, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office reports that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of American adults experienced measurable levels of loneliness.
The health implications of chronic loneliness are severe. Statistics from the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation reveal:
– A 29% increased risk of heart disease
– A 32% increased risk of stroke
– A 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults
– A greater than 60% chance of premature death
Furthermore, individuals who frequently feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop depression compared to those who rarely or never experience loneliness.
Hesse underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues: “Quality restorative sleep is a linchpin for cognitive functioning, mood regulation, metabolism and many other aspects of well-being. That’s why it’s so critical to investigate the psychological states that disrupt sleep, loneliness being key among them.”
While the study establishes a correlation rather than causation between loneliness and nightmares, it opens up new avenues for potential interventions. “It’s too early to talk about specific interventions in a concrete sort of way,” Hesse notes, “but our findings are certainly consistent with the possibility that treating loneliness would help lessen someone’s nightmare experiences. That’s a possibility to address in controlled, clinical studies.”
Why it matters: This research highlights the interconnected nature of mental health, social connections, and sleep quality. By understanding the relationship between loneliness and nightmares, healthcare professionals and policymakers can develop more comprehensive strategies to address both issues simultaneously. For individuals, recognizing the potential impact of loneliness on sleep quality may encourage seeking social support and connection as part of overall health maintenance.
As research in this area continues, it may lead to new approaches for improving both sleep quality and social well-being, potentially reducing the risk of various health issues associated with loneliness and sleep disorders.
