Dream Recall/Affect and Cortisol: An Exploratory Study.
Alexandros S Triantafyllou, Ioannis Ilias, Nicholas-Tiberio Economou, Athina Pappa, Eftychia Koukkou, Paschalis Steiropoulos
Clocks & Sleep January 29, 2022 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep4010003 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHigher cortisol levels, measured in saliva, are linked to increased dream recall and more positive dream affect. In a sample of 15 men and 15 women, those with higher evening or morning cortisol tended to recall more dreams. A statistically significant association emerged for morning cortisol levels above 19.1 nmol/L, where the odds of recalling a dream with positive affect were over four times higher. No connection was found between menstrual cycle phase and dream recall or affect. Cortisol may be an important modulator of dreaming, warranting further research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Exploratory study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | 15 men and 15 women |
| Duration | Three consecutive days, with saliva samples on four occasions; female participants repeated the procedure across two menstrual cycle phases |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Keywords | Cortisol Dream affect Dreams Menstrual cycle |
| Key finding | Higher morning cortisol levels above 19.1 nmol/L were significantly associated with positive dream affect (OR: 4.444, 95% CI: 1.108-17.830, p=0.039), and higher cortisol levels tended to increase dream recall. |
Abstract
The effect of cortisol on dreams has been scarcely studied. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the possible effect of cortisol levels on dream recall/affect, considering, in female subjects, their menstrual cycle phase. Fifteen men and fifteen women were recruited. Saliva samples were used for the detection of cortisol levels. Participants were instructed to provide four saliva samples, during three consecutive days. After awakening, on the second and third day, they were asked whether they could recall the previous night's dreams and whether these were pleasant or unpleasant. Female subjects followed this procedure twice: firstly, during the luteal phase and, secondly, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Subjects with higher evening or higher morning cortisol levels tended to show increased dream recall; a non-statistically significant association between morning cortisol levels and positive dream affect was also found. This association acquired statistical significance for salivary morning cortisol levels exceeding the upper normal level of 19.1 nmol/L (OR: 4.444, 95% CI: 1.108-17.830, p-value: 0.039). No connection between menstrual cycle stages and dream recall/affect was detected. In conclusion, cortisol may be a crucial neuromodulator, affecting dream recall and content. Therefore, its effects on sleep and dreams should be further studied.