Do you often have regular scary dreams? Do you experience dream-like hallucinations even during the day? If so, be cautious. According to a new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge, these could be symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune cells that protect us from illnesses start attacking healthy cells within the body. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are all part of this category. the study published in the eClinical Medicine journal highlights that these diseases can begin to affect the mind before symptoms appear in the body.
Dr. Melanie Sloan from Cambridge’s Public Health and Primary Care department, who led the research, says that psychological and neurological symptoms can be early signs of autoimmune diseases. Besides nightmares, symptoms such as depression, anger, poor sleep, and hallucinations can result from these conditions.
The research was conducted on 676 individuals with lupus and 400 healthcare providers. The survey included questions about the onset of neurological and psychological symptoms. Researchers observed that a third of participants showed symptoms like fatigue, bad mood, and disrupted sleep a year before being diagnosed with lupus.
The report states that three out of five lupus patients and one out of three rheumatoid arthritis patients experienced horrifying dreams involving murder or skin peeling. Many reported feeling trapped within their dreams or having sensations of someone pressing on their chest.
However, the research does not precisely explain why those with autoimmune diseases have such nightmares. Researchers suggest that poor sleep in lupus patients may lead to various hallucinations.
However, the research does not precisely explain why people with autoimmune diseases experience such nightmares. Researchers suggest that poor sleep in lupus patients may lead to various hallucinations. In summary, if you regularly experience frightening dreams, consulting with a family doctor or a neurologist would be a healthy decision.
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