People with nightmare disorder tend to have lower blood levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared to healthy individuals. The study compared 15 people diagnosed with nightmare disorder to 15 healthy controls, measuring their lipid profiles through blood tests. The findings suggest a link between nightmares and low serum lipid levels.
Among 30 patients with dissociative disorders, 57% also met criteria for nightmare disorder. Those with both conditions were more likely to engage in self-mutilative behavior, have attempted suicide in the past year, and have a comorbid diagnosis of borderline personality disorder compared to dissociative patients without nightmares. The findings suggest that nightmares and dreams warrant attention in the treatment of dissociative disorders.