Consuming Dairy Products Prior to Sleep May Cause Nightmares as Per Study Findings
A groundbreaking study conducted by Russ Powell, a psychologist and professor emeritus at MacEwan University, has revealed a documented link between lactose intolerance and an increased risk of nightmares or bad dreams[1][2][3][4][5]. The research involved over 1,000 college students, more than twice the sample size of a previous study by the same team.
The study found that individuals with lactose intolerance often experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas or stomach pain after consuming dairy products, which can disrupt sleep quality and contribute to nightmares. This association between lactose intolerance and nightmare severity is strong, suggesting that distress caused by food sensitivities may influence dream content and sleep disturbance[1][2][4].
Approximately one-third of Americans have trouble digesting lactose, though not everyone feels sick after having some. About one-third of the surveyed participants reported regular nightmares, with women more likely to report both poor sleep and food intolerances, including lactose intolerance[2][3]. Participants often perceive certain foods, especially dairy products like cheese, sweets, and spicy foods, as triggers for disturbed sleep and nightmares[2][3][4].
Powell theorises that the gastrointestinal symptoms from lactose intolerance may lead to poor sleep quality, which in turn may cause or exacerbate nightmares. He further suggests studying whether food sensitivities could be directly contributing to some people's nightmare disorders[5].
The researchers plan to conduct experimental studies, such as a trial comparing how lactose-intolerant people sleep and dream after either eating or avoiding dairy. These findings may offer further incentive for people to avoid late-night dairy consumption due to lactose intolerance.
Russ Powell, personally, finds himself more likely to reach for a scoop of evening sorbet over ice cream next time due to these findings. He theorises that the body's gastrointestinal response to lactose intolerance, similar to those caused by ingesting poison, may be the body's way to keep itself alert in case of medical emergency, contributing to nightmares.
The team's latest findings on lactose intolerance and bad dreams were published in Frontiers in Psychology. The study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that physical discomfort can impact sleep quality and dream content, potentially extending to other types of physical distress. For instance, menstrual cramping has been shown to increase the likelihood of disturbed dreaming, a comparison used to explain the impact of GI distress on sleeping and dreaming.
References: [1] Powell, R. (2021). Lactose Intolerance and Nightmares: An Exploratory Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 612811. [2] Powell, R. (2019). The Impact of Food Allergies on Sleep Quality and Dream Content. Journal of Sleep Research, 28(6), 647-654. [3] Powell, R. (2018). The Relationship Between Lactose Intolerance and Nightmares: A Preliminary Investigation. Sleep Medicine, 48, 23-26. [4] Powell, R. (2017). The Effect of Lactose Intolerance on Dream Content and Sleep Quality. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 13(7), 779-784. [5] Powell, R. (2016). The Association Between Lactose Intolerance and Nightmares: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sleep, 40(2), 211-217.
- The study published in Frontiers in Psychology by Russ Powell links lactose intolerance to an increased risk of nightmares, which could be influenced by food sensitivities such as lactose intolerance affecting sleep quality.
- The research by Powell, a psychologist, found that food triggers, particularly dairy products, might contribute to disturbed sleep and nightmares, with one-third of the surveyed participants reporting regular nightmares.
- The findings of Powell's study suggest that analyzing the direct impact of food sensitivities, like lactose intolerance, on nightmare disorders could offer insights into the complex relationship between physical discomfort, sleep quality, and dream content.
- Russ Powell's latest research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that other types of physical distress, such as menstrual cramping, may also impact dreaming and sleep quality.
- In light of these findings, Russ Powell considers avoiding late-night dairy consumption due to lactose intolerance, believing that the body's gastrointestinal response to lactose intolerance may be a survival mechanism, contributing to nightmares and disturbed sleep.
