Loneliness makes us more prone to nightmares.

New research has found that nightmares can increase in both frequency and intensity when people are lonely - Illustration: Shutterstock

According to ScienceAlert , the American authors analyzed data from a previous study on the effects of emotional deprivation. Data from 827 adult participants showed that the lonelier a person is, the more likely they are to experience nightmares, with stress acting as a catalyst.

The team then surveyed 782 American adults about feelings of loneliness, stress, and nightmares. The new data showed that feelings of loneliness affected both the intensity and frequency of nightmares.

Although the data did not show a direct causal link between loneliness and nightmares, the research team suggested it was related to the evolutionary theory of loneliness put forward in previous studies: that it is 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 not met, people suffer physically and mentally."

"Just as hunger or fatigue means you haven't consumed enough calories or gotten enough sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert people when their need for social interaction isn't being met," said Colin Hessem, a media scientist at the University of Oregon.

In a way, our evolution to become more stressed, vigilant, and prone to overthinking when we're alone motivates us to seek companionship. However, this also makes our bodies more tired and more susceptible to nightmares.

Loneliness is certainly closely linked to poor sleep, and the lack of good social relationships will also linger somewhere in our sleep.

"Restore sleep plays a vital role in cognitive function, mood regulation, metabolism, and many other aspects of health. That's why understanding the psychological states that disrupt sleep is so important, with loneliness being a key factor," said Hessem.

The study was published in the Journal of Psychology .

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/co-don-khien-ta-de-gap-ac-mong-20241014150605317.htm