We’ve all had bad dreams—but what if they were doing more than just giving us a fright? According to a massive new study, experiencing nightmares too often may speed up your biological aging and increase your chances of health risks before 70. Yikes.
If you exhibit nightmares frequently it could lead to an early grave (Getty stock)
Researchers from Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute studied over 185,000 people—including adults aged 26 to 86, and kids as young as eight—to investigate how frequent nightmares affect long-term health. The results? Pretty eye-opening.
😱 Nightmares and Health Risks: The Link
The study found that adults who had nightmares at least once a week were more than three times more likely to develop health issues compared to those who rarely had them.
Even having nightmares once a month showed a noticeable increase in biological aging and mortality risk.
Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, who led the study, explains that nightmares trigger the body’s stress system in a powerful way. Our brains don’t always realize we’re dreaming, so the fight-or-flight response kicks in, pumping out cortisol—the stress hormone linked to faster aging and inflammation.
“This stress reaction can be even more intense than what we experience while awake,” said Dr. Otaiku.
The study also found that night terrors were linked to biological aging (Getty stock)
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Worse yet, nightmares can disrupt sleep quality, messing with your body’s natural overnight repair processes. That combo—high cortisol and poor sleep—is what researchers believe leads to faster biological aging.
📌 According to the study, nightmares were a stronger predictor of early life elimination than smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, or even obesity.
💤 How to Reduce Nightmares and Sleep Better
The good news? You don’t have to be haunted by this forever. Nightmares can be managed, and in many cases, completely reduced.
Dr Abidemi Otaiku advises against watching horror films, if you want to stop having nightmares (Getty stock)
✅ Try These Tips:
- Avoid horror movies or stressful content before bed.
- Practice good sleep hygiene—regular bedtimes, no screens before sleep, and a calm environment.
- Manage your stress through meditation, journaling, or therapy.
- Consider Image Rehearsal Therapy (IRT)—a psychological technique that helps change the narrative of your nightmares.
If nightmares are frequent and impact your well-being, a visit to a sleep specialist is a smart move.
🧠 Bottom Line
Nightmares may seem like just bad dreams, but they could be a sign of deeper stress or health issues. Prioritizing better sleep habits and addressing emotional wellness could not only improve your nights—but add years to your life.
🔗 Sources & Further Reading:
- Imperial College London Research
- Sleep Foundation – Nightmares
- National Institutes of Health – Stress & Aging
