A breakthrough psychology study has found that adults who experience weekly nightmares may be nearly three times more likely to die before age 75 than those who rarely have such dreams, suggesting nightmares could have far-reaching implications for public health. This finding, though yet to be peer reviewed, brings a new perspective to what many consider a minor sleep disturbance and raises important questions for Thai readers about how the quality of their sleep connects to long-term health.
The research, recently presented as a conference abstract, combined data from over 4,000 participants across four major long-term studies conducted in the United States, following individuals aged 26 to 74 for more than 18 years. Participants self-reported the frequency of their nightmares at the outset. After adjusting for factors including age, sex, weight, mental health, and smoking, the study determined that those with weekly nightmares were at almost triple the risk of early death—even equating the risk factor to that posed by heavy smoking. The researchers tracked official death records, enhancing the reliability of the findings, though most participants were white Americans, and biological age was only measured once, suggesting the need for local research adaptations (PsyPost).
For many Thais, sleep is sometimes undervalued, given the pressures of balancing work, family, and social obligations. However, the study underscores that recurring distress during sleep could be an early indicator of life-threatening conditions. Not only did frequent nightmares correlate with a higher risk of early death, but these individuals also exhibited signs of accelerated biological aging, according to measures known as ’epigenetic clocks.’ These clocks—DunedinPACE, GrimAge, and PhenoAge—analyze chemical changes on DNA that serve as indicators of lifelong cellular wear, showing that those plagued by nightmares appeared biologically older than their actual age.
Approximately 5% of adults report experiencing nightmares at least once a week, while an additional 12.5% have them monthly. Considering Thailand’s population of around 70 million, this suggests millions of Thais could be at heightened health risk if the trend is globally applicable (Wikipedia).
The connections between nightmares and health may be explained through the body’s stress response. Nightmares typically occur during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, when the brain is highly active. Physiologically, the body reacts to nightmares similarly to real-life stress, with spikes in adrenaline and cortisol potentially leaving the body’s stress response in a heightened state throughout the day. Chronic stress is a well-documented factor in deteriorating health: it causes inflammation, increases blood pressure, and accelerates cellular aging by wearing down the telomeres—protective caps on chromosomes (Harvard Health and PubMed). Worse, nightmares can fragment deep sleep, a critical recovery phase during which the body repairs itself and clears cellular waste, emphasizing the role of sleep quality in holistic wellness.
The idea that nightmares portend poor health is not new. Prior studies have linked recurring adult nightmares to a heightened risk of developing dementia or Parkinson’s disease years before visible warning signs appear. Thai neurologists and sleep specialists have expressed growing concern about undiagnosed sleep disorders, noting that frequent nightmares may serve as a warning sign for neurological conditions or mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression (Khaosod English).
A senior lecturer in clinical psychology at a prominent Thai university explains: “Nightmares should not be dismissed as a mere annoyance. They can be both a cause and a consequence of underlying psychological or neurological conditions. Our increasing urbanization, longer working hours, and exposure to stress all impact the quality of our sleep—and by extension, our long-term health.”
Historically, Thai culture has attributed nightmares to spiritual or supernatural causes, with traditional rituals and talismans sometimes used to ward off bad dreams. Yet, the latest science points to a convergence of mental health, lifestyle, and physiological processes as root contributors. As a senior researcher at a leading Bangkok hospital commented, “Nightmares tell us something is wrong, either emotionally or with the structure and function of the brain. We must shift our attitudes toward seeking help when sleep becomes a source of distress.”
The study’s authors suggest that frequent nightmares could become an important question in routine medical screening, alongside traditional risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. If the findings are replicated and extended to diverse populations, including Thais, this could revolutionize preventive health strategies.
Importantly, therapies to reduce nightmares are already available and cost-effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and imagery rehearsal therapy—where sufferers rewrite the narrative endings of their nightmares during wakefulness—have shown efficacy in reducing both the occurrence and emotional impact of bad dreams. In Thailand, major hospitals like Siriraj and Ramathibodi offer sleep clinics, though access in rural areas remains limited. Additionally, practical steps such as maintaining a cool, dark, and device-free bedroom, reducing caffeine intake in the evening, and addressing sources of daytime anxiety can all contribute to better sleep hygiene (Johns Hopkins Medicine).
However, experts also caution about the limitations of the recent study. The data came primarily from self-reported nightmares, and researchers did not repeatedly update the participants’ measures of biological age, preventing a clear link between treating nightmares and slowed aging. Additional local research, particularly with Thailand’s diverse ethnicities and environmental influences, is needed to confirm applicability.
If nightmares prove to be an early sign of faster aging and wider health problems in Thais, integrating sleep screening and mental health support into primary care could offer vast public health benefits. Thai cultural values of harmony and family connection may also serve as protective buffers against severe sleep disruptions, suggesting that community-driven interventions could be particularly effective.
Looking forward, as Thailand balances rapid economic development with rising health challenges from chronic disease, stress, and shifting lifestyles, addressing sleep—especially nightmares—could emerge as a low-cost, high-impact public health intervention. Healthcare workers, community leaders, and policymakers are urged to prioritize sleep education and ensure that mental health services, including nightmare-focused therapies, are accessible across the country.
Thai readers should take nightmares seriously, especially if they occur weekly or are recurring and cause daytime distress. Consider seeking evaluation from a healthcare professional, particularly if you notice changes in memory, mood, or energy alongside persistent bad dreams. Practicing good sleep hygiene, openly discussing mental health, and supporting loved ones in distress are practical steps everyone can adopt. Continued research locally will tell us how best to implement these findings for Thai communities, but the message is clear: our dreams might hold important clues to our physical health and longevity.
Sources: PsyPost, Harvard Health, Khaosod English, Wikipedia, Johns Hopkins Medicine, PubMed