According to scientists, social isolation can increase stress levels, which interfere with sleep quality
Individuals who feel lonely may be more likely to do so dreams bad, according to a survey conducted by scientists in the United States of more than 1,600 people aged 18 to 81.
The researchers conducted two studies. In the first, 827 participants filled out an online questionnaire with questions about loneliness, experience nightmares and stress.
Participants responded to questions such as “How often do you feel like you lack company?” and “How often do you feel left out?”, and indicated their level of agreement with statements such as “I often have nightmares” and “intense nightmares are a problem for me.” In relation to stress, they indicated, among other things, how often they felt upset by an unexpected event.
In the second study, conducted on 782 people, an online questionnaire was again used, but with questions focused on the intensity of nightmares, hyperarousal and mental rumination, that is, negative thoughts that are repeated and perpetuated for a long time.
From the responses, the researchers observed an association between loneliness and the frequency of nightmares (both studies), as well as the intensity of unwanted dreams (study two).
Stress was key to the frequency, but the worst-case scenarios played out in the dreams of those who felt the most lonely – and this intensity was most strongly correlated with hyperarousal and thoughts about one’s own life (a person who feels lonely may spend more time thinking about life itself, in a state of worry and anxiety, as well as suffering from hyperarousal, remaining alert).
According to scientists, it is not possible to speak of a causal relationship. What was observed was an association between loneliness and stresswhich in turn appears to influence the sleep and nightmares.
“It’s too early to talk about concrete interventions in a concrete way,” said Colin Hesse, director of Oregon State University’s School of Communication, in a statement about the study released by the institution. “But our findings are certainly consistent with the possibility that treating loneliness would help reduce someone’s nightmare experiences.”
In addition to Oregon State University, the study brought together scientists from the University of Arizona, the University of Tampa, and Whitworth University, and was published in the scientific journal The Journal of Psychology.
Evolutionary theory of loneliness
The research takes into account the “evolutionary theory of loneliness” (ETL), which has gained followers after the covid-19 pandemicwhen there was an increase in studies in the area.
According to this thesis, belonging to groups is essential for the survival of human beings and the failure to meet this requirement constitutes a threat to life. For example, it is easier to hunt predators and obtain food in a group. The same is true for overcoming obstacles and other challenges.
“When the need for strong relationships is not met, people suffer physically, mentally and socially. Just as hunger or tiredness means you are not getting enough calories or sleep, loneliness evolved to alert people when their need for interpersonal connection is not being met. be satisfied,” Hesse summarized in the statement.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
