BOSTON, Massachusetts – Nightmares can be intense and horrifying, sometimes lingering long after we wake up. These vivid and distressing dreams can provide important clues to our underlying health. A recent study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine suggests that nightmares and “daymares,” dream-like hallucinations experienced while awake, could be early signs of lupus and other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, found that individuals living with lupus and other rheumatological diseases often reported increasingly vivid and disturbing nightmares before experiencing disease flares. These nightmares can involve themes like falling, being attacked, trapped, or even committing violent acts. Doctors and patients alike should pay attention to these warning signs as they may indicate a worsening of the condition.
Lead study author Melanie Sloan emphasized the importance of recognizing these unusual symptoms, as they can provide valuable insights into the progression of autoimmune diseases. Notably, the study revealed that even patients without direct brain involvement in lupus often reported neuropsychiatric symptoms before experiencing flares in other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs.
It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about nightmares and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases, as these experiences are often overlooked during medical consultations. By addressing these symptoms early on, medical professionals can better detect and treat disease flares before they become severe.
Experts caution that occasional nightmares or vivid dreams are normal and do not necessarily indicate an autoimmune disorder. However, individuals who experience intense, upsetting dreams alongside other symptoms like extreme fatigue or headaches should seek medical advice. Open communication between patients and healthcare providers can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for autoimmune diseases.