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nightmares

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2024·7 min read

Nightmares May Signal Autoimmune Flares

A new study suggests that increased nightmares and hallucinations can signal the onset of autoimmune diseases like lupus. The research highlights the need for greater recognition of these symptoms as early indicators of disease flares.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 20, 2024·4 min read

Social Media Nightmares: A New Phenomenon

A new study finds a link between increased social media use and the likelihood of experiencing social media-related nightmares. These nightmares, often involving themes of cyberbullying, online hate, or excessive social media use, are associated with negative mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression. The research introduces the Social Media Nightmare-Related Scale (SMNS) to quantify this phenomenon and calls for further investigation into the impact of social media on dreams.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 9, 2023·6 min read

The Dream Dance: Decoding REM’s Mystical Nightly Show in Our Brains

REM sleep, marked by rapid eye movement, is one of the most mysterious stages of our nightly rest, known for vivid dreams. This phase, repeating every 90 to 120 minutes, possibly prevents sleeping too deeply, making us less vulnerable.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 8, 2023·6 min read

Why PTSD Patients Relive Highly Charged Fear Memories in Sleep

In people with PTSD, during REM sleep norepinephrine and serotonin levels remain high, reducing the brain's ability to inhibit fear-expression neurons through neural rhythms sent between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Those with PTSD require higher frequency rhythms to extinguish fear memories. Researchers say unlocking the higher frequencies via therapies could help to restore quality sleep in those with PTSD.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·October 27, 2022·4 min read

Researchers Ease Nightmares by Manipulating Emotions in Dreams

Rehearsing positive versions of frequent nightmares before sleep and playing noises associated with positive daytime experiences during sleep helps reduce nightmare frequency, a new study reports.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 21, 2022·2 min read

Nightmares in Middle Age Linked to Dementia Risk

Middle-aged people who experience at least one nightmare a week are four times more likely to experience cognitive decline during the following decade. Older adults who experience weekly nightmares are twice as likely to develop dementia. The association is much stronger for men than women.

This shows a shadowy man behind blue glass

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 8, 2022·4 min read

Bad Dreams Could Be Early Warning of Parkinson’s Disease

Older adults who frequently experience bad dreams or nightmares are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a new study reports.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 15, 2020·4 min read

Research delves into causes of nightmares that shadow female survivors of sexual trauma

Having difficulty getting to sleep, in addition to ruminating about trauma experiences and other negative events before sleep, boosts the odds of sexual trauma survivors experiencing post-trauma nightmares.

This shows a man in a plague mask and covid19

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 15, 2020·8 min read

What pandemic dreams may come

Researchers discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the quality and content of people's dreams. The stress we are experiencing may be manifesting in our dream content as we sleep.