Study shows links between nightmares, autoimmune disease
Date
6/25/2024 7:52:35 AM
(MENAFN) Recent research has unveiled a potential link between nightmares and the presence of autoimmune diseases. The study indicates that persistent nightmares and daytime hallucinations could serve as early warning signs for autoimmune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Raising awareness about these symptoms among patients and healthcare professionals could lead to improved management of autoimmune diseases.
The extensive study involved 676 individuals diagnosed with lupus and included consultations with 400 specialists. Furthermore, 69 participants shared their experiences of living with rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder, typically manifests through joint pain, rashes, and extreme fatigue. While there is no cure for lupus, its symptoms can be controlled with appropriate medication.
The study revealed that vivid dreams and nightmares were common among three out of five patients before lupus symptoms fully emerged. Additionally, less than a quarter of these patients reported experiencing hallucinations, often described as unsettling waking nightmares, as an early symptom.
These nightmares often featured scenarios of being attacked, trapped, in collisions, or falling. Redefining these hallucinations as waking nightmares has proven to be a positive approach, encouraging patients to report their symptoms without feeling embarrassed.
A patient from England shared their perspective, saying, "Describing these experiences as waking nightmares rather than hallucinations makes more sense, as hallucinations are not necessarily frightening. It's like having a dream while you're awake in the park. I see different things; it's like emerging from a nightmare. Just like waking up and not being able to remember your dream. You were there, but not there, which is very confusing. The closest analogy I can think of is feeling like I'm not in Wonderland."
The healthcare professionals involved in the study concurred that nightmares and daydreaming could be valuable early indicators of the onset of autoimmune diseases. Recognizing these symptoms can help patients and doctors understand the underlying issues and work together more effectively to prevent severe complications associated with autoimmune diseases.
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