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Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Having the same weekly night incident 'triple risk of dying early'
Experts saying the problem is a 'stronger predictor of premature death' than smoking A scientist has warned that experiencing nightmares on a weekly basis could potentially accelerate the ageing process and even triple the risk of premature death. The study found that individuals who report having nightmares weekly are over three times more likely to die before reaching 70, compared to those who rarely or never have them. Alarmingly for those with poor sleep patterns, the research identified nightmares as a "stronger predictor of premature death" than factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity. The research team, led by Dr Abidemi Otaiku from the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London, scrutinised data from 2,429 children aged between eight and ten, and 183,012 adults aged between 26 and 86, over a span of 19 years. They discovered that those reporting weekly nightmares were over three times more likely to die before hitting 70, compared to those who claimed they seldom or never experienced nightmares. Dr Otaiku stated: "Individuals who experience more frequent nightmares age faster and die earlier." According to Otaiku, there's a clear link, with his team also finding that the frequency of nightmares is a stronger predictor of early death than smoking, obesity, poor diet or lack of physical activity. These findings were presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025 in Helsinki, Finland, on 23 June. The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep are believed to contribute to the accelerated ageing of our cells and bodies. Dr Otaiku explained, "Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality. That's why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake." The research team also examined the biological age of participants by measuring the length of telomeres, which are tiny DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides, a process linked to premature ageing. The study involved about 2,400 children aged between 8 and 10, with parents reporting on the frequency of their children's nightmares. Adults in the study underwent an additional biological age assessment using molecular markers known as epigenetic clocks. Otaiku found a consistent link between frequent nightmares and accelerated ageing across all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. "Even in childhood, people who have more frequent nightmares have short telomeres, indicating faster cellular ageing," he revealed. For the adults, the rapid biological ageing accounted for roughly 40 per cent of their increased risk of mortality. As for the reasons behind this connection, Otaiku suggests it might be down to two factors. One theory he proposes is that nightmares may trigger sustained high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which is known to cause quicker cellular ageing. READ MORE: Early sign of dementia and Alzheimer's that can appear while you're on holiday "Nightmares often wake us with our hearts pounding, in a stress reaction more intense than anything we experience when awake," he elaborated. The second factor is sleep disruption, which can interfere with the body's nocturnal cellular repair processes. Such sleep disturbances have been associated with an increased risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease. A feature titled 'Insomnia' delves into the topic of melatonin, noting that while millions rely on it to fall asleep, combat jet lag, and adapt to shift work, emerging evidence suggests we might not fully comprehend this hormone or how best to use it. Dr Otaiku suggested that if people are eager to dodge recurring nightmares, there are usually simple solutions which may involve avoiding horror films and addressing mental health issues such as anxiety. He stated that basic steps like maintaining good sleep hygiene, managing stress, seeking treatment for anxiety or depression, and refraining from watching frightening films can be effective in curbing nightmares.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Weekly nightmares ‘triple the risk of an early death' as scientists reveal what to do NOW
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PEOPLE who suffer from weekly nightmares could be at higher risk of early death, researchers have warned. Adults who reported weekly nightmares were over three times more likely to die before the age of 70, compared to those who rarely or never had them, they found. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Chronic stress and lack of sleep caused by nightmares could up the risk of early death Credit: Getty Researchers said night terrors were a 'stronger predictor of premature death' than other established risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise. They also linked frequent nightmares to accelerated biological ageing. Off the back of their findings, researchers shared "simple measures" to prevent nightmares - including "avoiding scary movies", setting up a good bedtime routine and keeping stress under control. The team - led by Dr Abidemi Otaiku of the UK Dementia Research Institute, and Imperial College London - analysed data from 2,429 children aged eight to 10 and 183,012 adults aged 26 to 86 over a period of 19 years. Adults were asked to report how often they experienced nightmares at the start of the study, while the parents of child participants reported how often their little ones suffered night terrors. Meanwhile, participants' biological age was assessed by measuring the length of their telomeres – small DNA sequences that serve as indicators of cellular ageing. The research, which was presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress this month, found that nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration. This impairs the body's ability to repair itself and restore cells throughout the night. Dr Otaiku said: 'Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality. 'That's why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. The popular sleep position doctor warns should be avoided and could be the cause of your back and neck pain "This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake.' The combination of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely speed up the ageing of our cells and bodies, study authors said. Results showed that adults who reported weekly nightmares were more than three times as likely to die prematurely - which researchers described as before the of age 70 - compared to those who rarely or never experienced nightmares. Children and adults with more frequent nightmares also exhibited faster biological ageing, which accounted for approximately 40 per cent of their heightened risk of death. Dr Otaiku added: 'Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular ageing. For those who frequently experience nightmares, this cumulative stress may significantly impact the ageing process. "Additionally, nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration, impairing the body's essential overnight cellular restoration and repair. "The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely contribute to the accelerated ageing of our cells and bodies.' Even monthly nightmares were linked to faster ageing and increased mortality compared to rare or no nightmares, study authors found. Tips to combat stress The Stress Management Society says . . . STAY CONNECTED. Look after your social wellbeing by staying in touch with others. Pick up the phone, talk, and ask for help. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Set up a good bedtime routine and make your bedroom a tech-free zone. This will force you to switch off in this 'always on' world. PRIORITISE AND ORGANISE. Even if you work from home, try to keep work and personal space separate, create boundaries and prioritise the most important tasks for the start of the day. EAT HEALTHILY. Reduce sugar consumption to avoid energy crashes, avoid relying on stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. SELF-CARE. Make time for things you enjoy and leave you feeling relaxed, whether it's mindfulness, reading, a walk, sport or watching TV. See The link between frequent nightmares and accelerated ageing was observed across all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and mental health conditions, which researchers said indicates a universal effect. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nightmare frequency across the population. 'The good news is that nightmares can be prevented and treated', Dr Otaiku said. 'Simple measures like avoiding scary movies, maintaining good sleep hygiene, managing stress, and seeking treatment for anxiety or depression can be effective. 'Those experiencing frequent nightmares that disrupt their quality of life may benefit from seeing a sleep specialist. "Effective psychological treatments, such as image rehearsal therapy, can be practised at home. "Recent research also suggests that therapies like CBT-I, which reduce nightmares, may significantly slow the ageing process', he added. Reflecting on the broader public health significance of these findings, Dr Otaiku stated: 'Given how common and modifiable nightmares are, they should be taken far more seriously as a public health concern. 'If further studies confirm the causal impact of nightmares on ageing and brain health, then preventing and treating them could become one of the simplest, most cost-effective strategies to slow ageing at a population level. "This would not only improve individual well-being but also help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature death worldwide and promoting health for all.'
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Korea Herald
EAN Congress: Frequent nightmares triple risk of early death and accelerate ageing, major study finds
HELSINKI, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 reveals that frequent nightmares are associated with significantly accelerated biological ageing and a more than threefold increase in the risk of premature death. This study is the first to show that nightmares independently predict faster biological ageing and earlier mortality – even after accounting for other health issues. Led by Dr Abidemi Otaiku of the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London, the study analysed data from 2,429 children aged 8 to 10 and 183,012 adults aged 26 to 86 across six long-term population cohorts. Nightmare frequency in adults was self-reported at the start of the study, with participants followed for up to 19 years. For children, nightmare frequency was reported by their parents at the beginning of the study. Results showed that adults reporting weekly nightmares were more than three times as likely to die prematurely (before age 70) compared to those who rarely or never experienced nightmares. Children and adults with more frequent nightmares also exhibited faster biological ageing, which accounted for approximately 40% of the heightened mortality risk. Notably, weekly nightmares were found to be a stronger predictor of premature death than other established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity. "Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality", Dr Otaiku explained. "That's why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake." He continued, "Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular ageing. For those who frequently experience nightmares, this cumulative stress may significantly impact the ageing process. Additionally, nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration, impairing the body's essential overnight cellular restoration and repair. The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely contribute to the accelerated ageing of our cells and bodies." The association between frequent nightmares and accelerated ageing remained consistent across all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and mental health statuses, indicating a universal effect. Even monthly nightmares were linked to faster ageing and increased mortality compared to rare or no nightmares, emphasising the importance of reducing nightmare frequency across the population.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
EAN Congress: Frequent nightmares triple risk of early death and accelerate ageing, major study finds
HELSINKI, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- New research presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 reveals that frequent nightmares are associated with significantly accelerated biological ageing and a more than threefold increase in the risk of premature death. This study is the first to show that nightmares independently predict faster biological ageing and earlier mortality – even after accounting for other health issues. Led by Dr Abidemi Otaiku of the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London, the study analysed data from 2,429 children aged 8 to 10 and 183,012 adults aged 26 to 86 across six long-term population cohorts. Nightmare frequency in adults was self-reported at the start of the study, with participants followed for up to 19 years. For children, nightmare frequency was reported by their parents at the beginning of the study. Results showed that adults reporting weekly nightmares were more than three times as likely to die prematurely (before age 70) compared to those who rarely or never experienced nightmares. Children and adults with more frequent nightmares also exhibited faster biological ageing, which accounted for approximately 40% of the heightened mortality risk. Notably, weekly nightmares were found to be a stronger predictor of premature death than other established risk factors such as smoking, obesity, poor diet, and low physical activity. "Our sleeping brains cannot distinguish dreams from reality", Dr Otaiku explained. "That's why nightmares often wake us up sweating, gasping for breath, and with our hearts pounding – because our fight-or-flight response has been triggered. This stress reaction can be even more intense than anything we experience while awake." He continued, "Nightmares lead to prolonged elevations of cortisol, a stress hormone closely linked to faster cellular ageing. For those who frequently experience nightmares, this cumulative stress may significantly impact the ageing process. Additionally, nightmares disrupt both sleep quality and duration, impairing the body's essential overnight cellular restoration and repair. The combined effects of chronic stress and disrupted sleep likely contribute to the accelerated ageing of our cells and bodies." The association between frequent nightmares and accelerated ageing remained consistent across all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and mental health statuses, indicating a universal effect. Even monthly nightmares were linked to faster ageing and increased mortality compared to rare or no nightmares, emphasising the importance of reducing nightmare frequency across the population.
