New research in the United States shows that feelings of loneliness not only affect mental and physical health but are also linked to nightmares.
According to ScienceAlert, a group of American authors analyzed data from a previous study on the effects of emotional deprivation. Data from 827 adult participants revealed that the lonelier people feel, the more frequently they experience nightmares, with stress acting as a catalyst.
The new study found that nightmares can increase in both frequency and intensity when people feel lonely – (Image source: Shutterstock).
The research team later surveyed questions about feelings of loneliness, stress, and nightmares from 782 adults in the United States. The new data indicates that feelings of loneliness impact both the intensity and frequency of nightmares.
While the data does not indicate a direct causal relationship between loneliness and nightmares, the research team suggests it relates to the evolutionary theory of loneliness proposed in previous studies: it serves as a warning sign that the body is lacking an essential resource – social support.
“Interpersonal relationships are a core human need. When the need for social relationships is unmet, individuals suffer physically and mentally.
Just as feelings of hunger or fatigue signal that you haven’t consumed enough calories or rested adequately, the feeling of loneliness has evolved to alert people when their social relationship needs are not being met,” said Colin Hessem, a communication scientist at the University of Oregon.
In some respects, evolution has made us more stressed, alert, and prone to overthinking when we are lonely, encouraging us to seek companionship. However, this also leaves our bodies fatigued and more susceptible to nightmares.
Loneliness is certainly closely related to poor sleep, and the lack of positive social relationships is likely to linger in our sleep.
“Restorative sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function, mood regulation, metabolism, and many other aspects of health. This is why understanding psychological states that disrupt sleep is so important, with loneliness being a key factor,” Mr. Hessem stated.
The study was published in the Journal of Psychology.
