Study: Nightmares May Trigger Suicide Risk

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A new study says that frightening dreams are associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

According to Health Newsline, research performed by University of Manchester in the UK suggests that people who have frequent nightmares are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts.

Researchers found that 62 percent of participants with frightening dreams had suicidal thoughts. However, only 20 percent of people without nightmares had suicidal thoughts.

Studies have found that recurrent nightmares may act as a stressor for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"PTSD increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, and our study shows that nightmares, a hallmark symptom of PTSD, may be an important treatment target to reduce suicide risk," said Donna L. Littlewood, PhD researcher in medical and human sciences at The University of Manchester.

Study results were published in the Mar. 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter