Mental DailyMental Daily
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Aa
Mental Daily
Aa
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • Opinion
Search
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Follow US
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store
© 2022 - Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.
Clinical

Researchers find associations between frequent nightmares and cardiovascular disease in military veterans

Staff Writer
Staff Writer 3 years ago
Updated 2021/10/23 at 2:25 PM
Share
SHARE

Researchers associated with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine uncovered a strong correlation between chronic nightmares and cardiovascular disease among military veterans. The study appeared in the journal Sleep.

In the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares are a hallmark symptom, oftentimes co-occurring with other sleep-related problems.

In their new findings, researchers recruited and studied more than 3,000 former military personnel nearing mid-adulthood. A questionnaire was administered to gather medical history and frequency of nightmares. Episodes of nightmares were considered frequent if they occurred at least 2 to 3 times a week.

Among the participants, only 30 percent met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis during clinical interviews.

According to researchers, nearly 32 percent of the participants experienced frequent nightmares which co-occurred with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. The co-occurrence was evident among the former military personnel even after controlling for PTSD.

“Our cross-sectional findings set the stage for future research examining the possibility that nightmares may confer cardiovascular disease risks beyond those conferred by PTSD diagnosis alone,” said Christi Ulmer, co-author of the study.

“If longitudinal research demonstrates a causal role for nightmares in cardiovascular disease risk, nightmare treatment could be a strategy for improving cardiovascular health.”

“Additional research is needed to explore mechanisms explaining these associations and determine if reducing nightmare frequency and severity results in improved cardiovascular health,” the co-authors inferred in their findings.

Photo: tab62 - stock.adobe.com

You Might Also Like

Study boasts MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD patients

How the brain is organized is revealed by the largest genetic study of brain structure to date

Study investigates the ethical implications of combining the analysis of ancient DNA and data from private genetic databases

New study reveals positive results from postpartum depression treatment Zuranolone

New study explores magic mushrooms for anorexia nervosa psychopathology

TAGGED: military veterans, ptsd, sleep
Staff Writer August 29, 2020
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Print
Previous Article Microglia may decrease the severity of epileptic seizures
Next Article Study targeting Trem2 activation may lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s

Recommended

Clinical

Study boasts MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD patients

1 Min Read
Clinical

How the brain is organized is revealed by the largest genetic study of brain structure to date

2 Min Read
Clinical

Study investigates the ethical implications of combining the analysis of ancient DNA and data from private genetic databases

3 Min Read
Clinical

New study reveals positive results from postpartum depression treatment Zuranolone

2 Min Read
//

We are a trusted online source for research news and resources on all aspects of the mind and human behavior.

Verticals

  • Clinical
  • Health
  • Social
  • I/O
  • Opinion

Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • The Editor
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Follow US

© 2022 Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?