Cheese may actually give you nightmares

It's no secret that sleep troubles affect countless people around the globe. In fact, around 56% of folks in the United States and 31% in Western Europe deal with sleep disorders. One major player in this issue is nightmares, which impact about 85% of adults at least once a year, with around 5% experiencing them on a regular basis. Nightmares can stem from various factors, including mental health challenges like PTSD, stress, anxiety, certain medications, substance use, and even what you eat before bedtime.

A survey revealed that 30-40% of individuals will encounter a significant sleep disorder at some point in their lives. While there are effective treatments available for some sleep issues, many people still go without help. Research led by Dr. Tore Nielsen has found that consuming too much dairy especially for those who are lactose intolerant might lead to nightmares and disrupt sleep quality. The study involved over 1,000 students who shared insights about their sleep patterns, dreams, nightmares, and food sensitivities.

Previous studies have shown that many individuals suspect dairy affects their dreams. This latest research aimed to dig deeper into the connection between food intolerances and sleep disturbances. The findings indicated that lactose intolerance is linked to gastrointestinal problems, nightmares, and poor sleep. This suggests that what we eat could significantly impact our sleep and dream quality.

Researchers believe that steering clear of allergenic foods or embracing healthier eating habits might benefit those who are prone to nightmares, particularly if they have food sensitivities. The initial evidence points to the idea that managing lactose intolerance could lessen the intensity of nightmares and promote better sleep. However, more research is needed to pinpoint the specific food allergies that might influence sleep and dreaming.

Dr. Inderpal Randhawa weighed in on the study, emphasizing how food sensitivities can disrupt sleep and shape our emotional experiences in dreams. He pointed out that physical discomfort from food reactions can lead to restless nights and unpleasant dream content.

Reference

by Corrie Pelc Cheese may actually give you nightmares: Here is why

.medicalnewstoday.com Available at-https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cheese-may-actually-give-you-nightmares-here-is-why

(Assessed: 17th July 2025)