Frequent Nightmares Linked to Accelerated Aging, Higher Death Risk: Study Reveals

• Recurring nightmares are linked to accelerated biological aging and increased risk of death, not just mental stress.
• Research using telomere length and epigenetic clocks (DunedinPACE, GrimAge, PhenoAge) found nightmares account for 39-40% of death risk.
• Nightmares activate stress response, disrupt REM sleep, and cause cellular aging (shortened telomeres), impacting health more than lifestyle factors like smoking.
• This link applies to children too, and accelerated aging can lead to serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer, plus increased suicide risk.
• Prevention includes screening, therapies like CBT-I/IRT, and lifestyle changes to potentially slow aging and extend lifespan.

Why It Matters: Don't ignore recurring nightmares; they're a serious health indicator linked to accelerated aging and mortality.