Association of temperament (Mizaj) with dream characteristics and sleep quality using the Mannheim dream questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

An individual's mizaj (temperament), a core concept in Unani medicine, is significantly associated with dream characteristics and sleep quality. In a cross-sectional study of 305 adults, dream recall, vividness, lucidity, nightmare frequency, and overall sleep quality differed across mizaj types, while dream valence did not. Safravi participants showed the highest dream recall and vividness; Damvi and Safravi had higher lucidity; Saudavi reported the most nightmares and poorest sleep quality; Balgami exhibited the best sleep quality. These findings support classical Unani theory and suggest temperament-based screening may help identify individuals at risk for sleep disturbances.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Mizaj (temperament) is a core concept in Unani medicine, reflecting an individual’s constitutional makeup and influencing physical, psychological and behavioral traits. Classical texts suggest that mizaj modulates dream patterns and sleep quality, yet empirical evidence integrating traditional temperament assessment with contemporary dream and sleep metrics is limited. To investigate the association between mizaj, dream characteristics assessed by the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire (MADRE) and sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in a community-based adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 adults aged≥18 years in (Location), India. Mizaj was determined using the CCRUM Standardized Mizaj Assessment Proforma. Dream parameters (recall, vividness, valence, lucidity, nightmare frequency) were evaluated using the MADRE and sleep quality was assessed using the PSQI. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests and Tukey’s HSD for post-hoc comparisons. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences across mizaj types were observed for dream recall (p<0.0001), vividness (p<0.0001), lucidity (p<0.0001), nightmare frequency (p<0.0001) and PSQI global score (p<0.0001), while dream valence showed no significant variation (p=0.910). Safravi participants had the highest recall and vividness scores, Damvi and Safravi showed higher lucidity, Saudavi reported the highest nightmare frequency and poorest sleep quality and Balgami exhibited the best sleep quality. Conclusions: Mizaj is significantly associated with multiple dream parameters and sleep quality, supporting both classical Unani theory and contemporary dream research. Temperament-based screening may offer a culturally relevant, low-cost approach for identifying individuals at risk of sleep disturbances and related psychological distress.