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loneliness

This shows a woman sitting alone on a step at night.

·August 6, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness Linked to Nightmares

Research reveals that loneliness is linked to an increased frequency and intensity of nightmares, highlighting the connection between social isolation and sleep disturbances. The study suggests that stress, rumination, and hyperarousal contribute to these effects, indicating that loneliness affects mental and physical well-being. This research supports the evolutionary theory that a sense of belonging is crucial for human survival. Addressing loneliness may potentially improve sleep quality and overall health.

This shows a man sitting alone on a bench.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 11, 2024·4 min read

Loneliness Worse for Memory Than Social Isolation

A new study finds that loneliness impacts memory more negatively than social isolation among older adults. Those who are both socially isolated and lonely experience the greatest memory decline, but loneliness alone also significantly harms memory.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 8, 2024·4 min read

Pandemic Reveals Unexpected Resilience in Isolated Seniors

Socially connected older adults in England experienced a sharper decline in quality of life and increased loneliness during the pandemic compared to their isolated peers. Researchers analyzed data from 4,636 individuals and found that isolated seniors faced fewer disruptions in their routines, offering them some protection against negative pandemic effects. However, socially isolated adults saw a greater decline in physical activity and financial worries. These findings underscore the complex impact of social connections during crises.

This shows a man standing alone and a clock.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 5, 2024·4 min read

Pandemic Loneliness Distorted Time Perception

Researchers found that pandemic-induced loneliness led to disorientation and time confusion. Surveying 3,300 French participants, the study revealed a strong link between social isolation and temporal disorientation. Young people under 25 were the most affected. The researchers call this phenomenon "temporal rupture," highlighting the pandemic's deep psychological impact.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 30, 2024·2 min read

Better Sleep Lowers Loneliness

Better sleep health significantly reduces feelings of loneliness, with the effect being stronger in younger adults. The findings suggest that improving sleep could be a key strategy in addressing loneliness, a pressing public health issue. The study involved 2,297 adults who completed online questionnaires about their sleep and loneliness levels.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 27, 2024·3 min read

AI Companions Combat Loneliness

AI technology could help alleviate loneliness, argue robotics experts. New research suggests that AI companionship can offer social interaction and help people practice social skills, breaking the cycle of loneliness.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 25, 2024·4 min read

Loneliness Tied to Problematic Porn Use

A new study links loneliness and difficulties in emotion regulation to problematic pornography use (PPU). The research found that people who interacted with online content creators reported lower PPU.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 19, 2024·4 min read

Love Hormone Oxytocin Eases Loneliness

A new study finds that oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone," can reduce acute feelings of loneliness and enhance bonding in group therapy settings for individuals experiencing chronic loneliness. While not a cure-all, oxytocin shows promise as a supportive tool during therapy, potentially helping patients better navigate the initial challenges of addressing their loneliness.

This shows a woman gazing out of a window.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 17, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness May Predict Mental Health Issues

A study following 2600 participants over 20 years revealed a correlation between loneliness in adolescence and an increased risk of developing mental health problems like psychosis, bipolar disorder, and depression in adulthood. While causality cannot be definitively determined, the association is strong, highlighting the importance of monitoring and addressing loneliness in young people.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 11, 2024·6 min read

Friendly Chats Mitigate Social Exclusion Effects

Simple social interactions, like chatting with a friend, can mitigate the effects of social exclusion. The research found that both face-to-face conversations and anticipating future interactions help individuals recover quicker from social slights and feel more secure.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 30, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness Peaks in Youth and Old Age

A new study revealed a U-shaped pattern of loneliness across the lifespan, with higher levels in younger and older adults and the lowest during middle adulthood. The research identified risk factors for loneliness including social isolation, lower education, and physical impairments.

This shows an older man using a cell phone.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 28, 2024·5 min read

Let’s Talk: Web-Based Chats Boost Brain Function in Older Adults

Internet-based conversations can significantly improve cognitive functions in socially isolated older adults. The trial, known as I-CONECT, involved 186 participants aged 75 and older who engaged in structured video chats four times weekly, which helped enhance memory and executive function, particularly among those with mild cognitive impairment.