Nightmares and poor sleep may be influenced by one surprising factor, scientists say

One surprising factor may be negatively impacting your sleep (Image: Getty) Drifting off to dreamland can be an almighty challenge. When you're wired on caffeine, battling stress, or tormented by bad dreams, you might wake up feeling as though you've hardly shut your eyes. Now, scientists have pinpointed another surprising factor that could be disrupting your rest and it's not related to when you hit the hay.

Strangely enough, it appears to come down to loneliness. Researchers at several US-based universities warn that lonely people are not only more likely to suffer from bad dreams, but may even have an increased risk of heart disease, strokes and premature deaths. Many of these findings were highlighted in a n ew study which casts a spotlight on the health implications of poor social bonds.

"Interpersonal relationships are very much a core human need," said Doctor Colin Hesse of Oregon State University . "When people's need for strong relationships goes unmet, they suffer physically, mentally and socially. Just like hunger or fatigue means you haven’t gotten enough calories or sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert individuals when their needs for interpersonal connection are going unfulfilled.

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