Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted November 11, 2024

To all our veterans – we pause today to express our profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s values represents the very best of America.

Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which usually occurs halfway through the night. They’re typically brief, but they can make it difficult to fall back asleep.

Nightmares are more common during childhood. But as any adult can tell you, we have them too.

However, if you’ve been having more nightmares lately… your social life might be to blame.

Surprisingly, new research reveals that loneliness doesn’t just affect your waking hours—it could be haunting your dreams, too.

The new study published in the Journal of Psychology uncovered something disturbing. It found that loneliness isn’t just making you feel bad during the day… it’s following you into your sleep.

Scientists discovered that people who are lonely experience more…

• frequent nightmares
• intense bad dreams
• interrupted sleep

But here’s what makes this finding PARTICULARLY troubling…

It turns out, our bodies are actually PROGRAMMED to react this way when we’re isolated. It’s like an ancient alarm system warning us to reconnect with others.

The problem is, in today’s world, this “alarm” can end up doing more harm than good.

It’s a vicious cycle starting with you being lonely, so you sleep poorly. Then, because you’re tired, you’re less likely to socialize. It’s a revolving door that can be hard to escape.

The researchers found that loneliness triggers changes in our bodies that…

• Increase stress levels
• Heighten alertness
• Lead to more worried thinking
• Disrupt normal sleep patterns

This is particularly concerning for seniors, who often face issues like living alone, limited mobility, loss of longtime friends, and reduced social opportunities.

But there’s also some GOOD NEWS…

Breaking this cycle might be easier than you think. You don’t need to become a social butterfly overnight. Even small steps toward connection can make a big difference.

Try these simple ways to boost your social connections:

• Join a local book club (there are even online ones)
• Take a class (art, cooking, anything!)
• Volunteer at your church or community center
• Try square dancing or other group activities
• Attend community events
• Join a walking group
• Participate in senior center activities

The key is to find something that connects you with others regularly.

Remember that those nightmares could be your body’s way of saying, “Hey, you need people!” Don’t ignore the message.

Instead of lying awake worrying about bad dreams, why not use that energy to plan a social activity for tomorrow?

And if the nightmares persist or you’re feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. Sometimes, we all need a little extra help, and that’s okay!

P.S. Dreaming of better sleep? Your gut holds the key.

Source:

Floyd, K., Hesse, C., Ray, C. D., & Mikkelson, A. C. (2024). Interpersonal Loneliness Predicts the Frequency and Intensity of Nightmares: An Examination of Theoretic Mechanisms. The Journal of Psychology, 1–21.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND