Eating cheese might be the cause of bad dreams, scientists say

Health & Fitness
3 Jul 2025 • 9:10 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A study has identified a strong association between nightmares and lactose intolerance, suggesting that gastrointestinal discomfort from dairy can disrupt sleep and contribute to bad dreams.
  • Dr. Tore Nielsen, the lead researcher from the Université de Montréal, indicated that adjusting eating habits for individuals with food sensitivities could potentially alleviate nightmares.
  • The research involved surveying over 1,000 students at Canada’s MacEwan University regarding their sleep patterns, dietary habits, and any perceived links between the two.
  • Findings showed that women constituted the majority of participants reporting poor sleep and nightmares, and they were also more prone to recalling dreams and reporting food allergies or intolerances.
  • The study concluded that improved awareness of food intolerances could lead to better sleep quality, although further research is needed to confirm these links across diverse populations.

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