Recent research indicates a strong connection between loneliness and an increase in the frequency and intensity of nightmares.

Surveys conducted with over 1,600 U.S. adults revealed a correlation between feelings of loneliness and the occurrence of bad dreams.

The study identified stress, rumination, and hyperarousal as key factors that link loneliness to negative sleep experiences.

Colin Hesse, the lead researcher from Oregon State University, suggests that addressing loneliness could help reduce the frequency of nightmares, although more controlled studies are necessary.

These findings support the evolutionary theory of loneliness, which posits that a sense of belonging is essential for human survival.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of American adults reported experiencing measurable loneliness, a condition linked to significant health risks.

The U.S. surgeon general's office has highlighted serious health risks associated with loneliness, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 60% chance of premature death.

Statistics show that loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by 50% among older adults.

Individuals who frequently experience loneliness are more than twice as likely to develop depression compared to those who feel less lonely.

The study emphasizes the public health implications of loneliness and sleep disorders, which are linked to increased risks of serious health issues.

The Sleep Foundation estimates that between 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, highlighting the need to explore psychological factors affecting sleep quality.

The research, which involved collaboration with multiple institutions, was funded by the Flora Family Fund at Whitworth University and published in the Journal of Psychology.