Nightmare frequency predicts worry related sleep disturbance one month later

Abstract

Previous research examining the directionality of the relationship between nightmares and worry-related sleep disturbance has been limited. The current study examines the influences of self-reported nightmare frequency on worry-related sleep disturbance after a one-month duration among a sample of 126 university students. Regression results indicated that nightmare frequency significantly predicted worry-related sleep disturbance longitudinally after accounting for baseline worry-related sleep disturbance, a general tendency to worry, dream recall frequency, and habitual sleep duration. The results are discussed in the context of current research and theory. Future research is needed to replicate the current findings and examine possible mechanisms in the relationship between nightmares and worry-related sleep disturbance.