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2d ago

Lactose Intolerance and Late-Night Eating Linked to Nightmare Severity

Healthier evening eating emerges as a promising low-risk way to curb nightmares following a survey linking lactose intolerance and late-night meals to more severe dream disturbances.

A stock image of high vegetable and animal protein sources.
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Overview

  • A July 2025 Frontiers in Psychology study of 1,082 MacEwan University students found lactose intolerance was robustly linked to more frequent and severe nightmares.
  • Survey respondents who ate dairy, sweets, or spicy foods late at night reported poorer sleep quality, more negative dream content, and higher nightmare rates.
  • Participants who favored fruits, vegetables, and herbal tea for evening meals experienced better sleep quality and more positive dream recall.
  • While the research validates folk beliefs about cheese-induced nightmares, its correlational design means causation remains unproven.
  • Authors recommend experimental trials to test how specific dietary interventions could alleviate nightmares and suggest that individuals with food sensitivities consider adjusting evening diets.