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 Free Articles
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...
20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up
If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...
The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...