A new study by researchers at Imperial College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute has revealed a surprising link between frequent nightmares and early death. According to the findings, people who report weekly nightmares are three times more likely to die before the age of 70 compared to those who rarely experience them. This risk is even greater than that linked to smoking, poor diet, obesity, or inactivity.
The study tracked over 185,000 people for nearly two decades. It found that both adults and children who suffered regular nightmares showed signs of faster biological ageing, which explained about 40% of the increased risk. Even monthly nightmares were associated with shorter lifespans and elevated stress levels.
Lead researcher Dr Abidemi Otaiku explained that nightmares provoke strong stress responses. These reactions—such as elevated heart rate, adrenaline spikes, and sweating—mirror those triggered during real-life threats. Over time, this repeated stress can wear down the body on a cellular level, leading to long-term health consequences.
Unlike earlier studies that focused on sleep disorders or mental health, this research is the first to directly connect nightmare frequency to early mortality. Children were not exempt. Those who frequently experienced night terrors also showed signs of quicker biological decline.
Nightmares, even if occasional, were associated with reduced sleep quality and chronic spikes in cortisol, the stress hormone. These effects were noted even in people who otherwise had no major health issues.
The good news is that treatment options exist. Experts recommend reducing exposure to disturbing content like horror movies and adopting healthy bedtime routines. Therapies such as Image Rehearsal Therapy—which helps patients change the storyline of recurring nightmares—and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) have shown success in easing both bad dreams and their impact on health.
Researchers believe this discovery could shift how sleep is addressed in healthcare. Dr Otaiku suggests that doctors begin asking patients about nightmare frequency, just as they ask about diet or physical activity. He adds that if nightmares are a regular occurrence, it may be worth seeing a sleep specialist, as the long-term effects go far beyond a bad night’s rest.
