Rome, Oct. 12 (SANA) A recent psychological study has found an association between higher levels of anxiety, stress and depression and more frequent negative dreams, while the extent to which dreams affect daytime mood was linked to higher levels of anxiety.
Science news website PsyPost reported Sunday that researchers at the University of Catania in Italy analyzed data from 389 adults to examine the relationship between psychological well-being, dream content and the emotional effects of dreams during waking hours.
The findings showed that participants who reported higher levels of anxiety, stress and depression also reported more negative dreams. The researchers further found that people whose daytime mood was more affected by their dreams tended to report higher levels of anxiety.
The results point to a possible two-way relationship between psychological well-being and dreaming. However, the study does not establish that anxiety necessarily causes negative dreams or that negative dreams trigger anxiety. Multiple psychological and personal factors may contribute to the association.
The findings underscore the importance of examining sleep and mental health together. Assessing sleep quality and the frequency of disturbing dreams alongside other symptoms may help specialists develop a broader understanding of an individual’s psychological well-being.
Negative dreams alone do not necessarily indicate a mental health disorder, and their content cannot be used on its own to diagnose anxiety or depression.
Anxiety involves feelings of tension, fear or apprehension about anticipated or potential situations. When persistent or severe, it can affect concentration, sleep and daily activities.
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness or a loss of interest or pleasure. It may also involve changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels and concentration.
The study’s findings describe associations rather than proof of cause and effect, underscoring the need to consider a person’s broader circumstances and symptoms when assessing mental health.
R.A /R.K
