Loneliness makes us prone to nightmares

New research in the US shows that feeling lonely not only affects mental and physical health, but is also linked to nightmares.

According to ScienceAlert , the American team analyzed data from a previous study on the effects of emotional deprivation. Data from 827 adults participating in the study showed that the lonelier people were, the more likely they were to have nightmares , with stress acting as a catalyst.

New research finds that nightmares can increase in both frequency and intensity when people are lonely - (Illustration: Shutterstock).

The team then surveyed 782 adults in the United States about feelings of loneliness, stress, and nightmares. The new data showed that feelings of loneliness influenced the intensity and frequency of nightmares.

While the data doesn't show a direct causal relationship between loneliness and nightmares, the researchers suggest it's related to an evolutionary theory of loneliness that's been put forward in previous studies: It's 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 feeling hungry or tired means you haven't eaten enough calories or gotten enough sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert people when their need for social relationships isn't being met ," said Colin Hessem, a communication scientist at the University of Oregon.

In some ways, our evolution to become more stressed, more vigilant, and more brooding when we're alone is designed to motivate us to seek out companionship. But it also makes us more tired and more prone to nightmares.

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

'Restorative sleep plays an important role in cognitive function, mood regulation, metabolism, and many other aspects of health. That's why it's so important to understand the psychological conditions that disrupt sleep, with loneliness being a key factor ,' Hessem said.

The study was published in the Journal of Psychology .