Associations between alcohol consumption and frequency of nightmares and bad dreams

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate whether alcohol consumption is associated with the higher frequencies of nightmares and bad dreams. There exists an insufficient number of studies investigating the association between these elements, although it is a huge need due to the notion that both alcohol use and occurrence of nightmares may incur mental disorder and may lead to distress and reduced well-being among individuals across the world. 87 participants were included in the study where they were supposed to fill out an electronic questionnaire about their dreams every day for four weeks. Non-significant negative weak correlations were found. Nor did alcohol consumption obtain a significant predictive ability on frequency of nightmares and bad dreams. The hypothesis of a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and frequency of nightmares and bad dreams could not be supported by the results. Methodological limitations were discussed in conjunction with implications for future research. The need to further examine the relationship exists, in addition to considering other potential explanatory factors which can contribute to a holistic understanding of the phenomena. Contribution with health promotion work and preventive measures can occur through extended knowledge on how these elements work together.