Chapter 1: Understanding the Connection Between Nightmares and Health

Recent findings indicate that nightmares may serve as an alarming indicator for the onset of autoimmune diseases, particularly in the brain.

A study led by Melanie Sloan, a public health researcher at the University of Cambridge, discovered that nightmares are among the earliest signs of a lupus flare-up. In an online survey involving 676 individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), approximately one-third reported experiencing disturbed dreams in the year preceding the appearance of other symptoms.

The results support anecdotal evidence suggesting a link between dreams and the immune system.

"Changes in dreaming patterns have long been associated with alterations in physical, neurological, and mental health, sometimes serving as early indicators of illness," explains neurologist and study author Guy Leschziner from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London. "This is the first evidence that nightmares might also help track a serious autoimmune condition like lupus. It serves as a crucial reminder for both patients and healthcare providers that sleep disturbances can indicate a looming relapse."

SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder of unknown origin that commonly emerges between the ages of 15 and 45. It causes intermittent flare-ups characterized by symptoms such as arthritis, fever, chest pain, fatigue, and hair loss, which can occur every few years.

During these flare-ups, not all patients with SLE experience neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, for around 40% of them, diagnosis and management become challenging, as symptoms like nightmares and vivid dreams can be subjective and many patients hesitate to discuss them.

Individuals suffering from autoimmune disorders affecting the brain often report emotionally charged dreams. Nevertheless, these psychological symptoms have largely gone unnoticed.

Recently, research has revealed that many who later develop Parkinson's disease—a condition linked to autoimmune issues—have experienced distressing dreams for up to a decade prior to their diagnosis. Additionally, nightmares may also be predictive of dementia, which is again associated with the immune system. Some multiple sclerosis patients report that their dreams become increasingly frightening before an exacerbation.

This pattern also appears to hold true for certain lupus patients.

In addition to the online survey, researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 69 individuals living with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including lupus. One participant described their nightmares during a lupus flare as so horrifying that they saw "skin falling off people." They shared, "The more stress my body is under, the more vivid and terrifying the dreams tend to be."

The researchers delicately introduced the concept of hallucinations by discussing "daymares," as these experiences can be profoundly impactful. Some participants recognized the term immediately. "When you mentioned 'daymare,' it made sense," one individual noted. "It's not necessarily scary; it feels like you've had a dream while being awake in the garden… it’s disorienting. The closest analogy I can think of is feeling like Alice in Wonderland."

Shortly before experiencing these daymares, the online survey found that over 60% of respondents reported increasingly disturbed nighttime dreaming.

It seems our dreams may hold valuable insights about our health, and even researchers are starting to consider this possibility.

(You can read the research here.)

Researchers explore the potential connection between nightmares and chronic illness, shedding light on the implications for patients.

Chapter 2: The Psychological Impact of Nightmares

Dr. Gabor Maté discusses the relationship between stress and disease, emphasizing how emotional factors can influence health outcomes.