Living with frequent nightmares can be exhausting, but scientists are working to understand why some people experience them more than others. A large study of over 200,000 people looked at the genetic roots of nightmare frequency and nightmare disorder. The researchers found that the genetic factors behind these nightmares are closely linked to other mental health conditions, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
By looking at specific genes, the study identified a connection between the brain's ability to process sleep and common psychiatric traits. Specifically, the research pointed toward certain genes and cell types in the brain that manage emotions and memory. While the study found clear links, it is important to note that a large amount of the genetic variation in why people have nightmares remains unexplained.
One of the most interesting findings involves a potential two-way street. The data suggests that nightmares and certain psychiatric traits might influence each other over time. While this research helps map out the biological landscape of sleep and mental health, it is still early in the process of understanding exactly how these genetic links affect daily life.
