These people age faster: scientist names harbinger of early death

Researchers from Imperial College London have identified a link between nightmares and accelerated biological aging, as well as an increased risk of premature death. They studied data from more than 180 thousand people. The observation of volunteers lasted about 19 years.

Dr. Abidemi Otaiku noted that even having nightmares once a week is a concerning sign.

"Those who experience nightmares weekly, as the new study has shown, had a three times higher risk of dying before the age of 70. This is compared to people who sleep normally and don't wake up in distress," Mirror reports, citing the researchers.

Specialists presented the new research at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025.

Otaiku clarified that during nightmares, the "fight or flight" response is activated. As a result, there is a strong release of cortisol - the stress hormone.

"The reaction to nighttime stress can be even more intense than what we experience while awake," the scientist stated.

All this accelerates cellular aging.

"Apparently, these people - who more often see nightmares - age faster and die earlier," Otaiku concluded.