Nightmares and hallucinations could be early warning signs of lupus or other autoimmune diseases, according to new research. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge and King’s College London surveyed 676 people living with lupus and 400 clinicians. They found that three in five lupus patients reported distressing nightmares, often involving being attacked or trapped. Additionally, just under a quarter of patients reported experiencing hallucinations. The researchers are calling for greater recognition of these mental health and neurological symptoms as indicators of flare-ups in autoimmune diseases.
Lupus is an incurable condition that causes fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Katherine Ryan are among those living with the condition. The study also found that using the term “daymares” instead of hallucinations helped patients better understand their symptoms. Patients described daymares as feeling disoriented, like being awake in a dream or like Alice in Wonderland. The findings of the survey prompted clinicians to acknowledge nightmares and hallucinations as potential early warning signs and to discuss them with their patients in the future.
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue. While there is no cure for lupus, early treatment can help improve symptoms. It is important for individuals experiencing vivid or distressing nightmares, as well as hallucinations, to seek medical attention as these could be signs of a flare-up in their autoimmune disease. By recognizing and addressing these symptoms, patients can better manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.
New Research Reveals Surprising Link Between Nightmares and Lupus
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered a surprising connection between nightmares and the autoimmune disease lupus. The findings suggest that nightmares could potentially serve as an early warning sign of the condition.
Lead author Dr Melanie Sloan emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals discussing symptoms with their patients and documenting their individual progression of symptoms. It is crucial for both patients and doctors to recognize that mental health and neurological symptoms can be part of autoimmune diseases.
The significance of this link cannot be understated, as there have been reports of patients being misdiagnosed or even hospitalized for a psychotic episode when they were actually in the early stages of an autoimmune disease. One patient from Scotland shared their experience of being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at 18, only to be diagnosed with lupus six months later. This highlights the need for improved awareness and understanding of how lupus can manifest in different individuals.
The study also sheds light on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in identifying lupus. A nurse from Scotland revealed that patients were admitted for episodes of psychosis without being screened for lupus until someone raised the possibility. This delay in diagnosis can be particularly difficult for young women, who may be prescribed anti-psychotic drugs instead of the steroids they actually need.
Professor Guy Leschziner, a neurologist at Guys’ and St Thomas’ hospital, and author of The Secret World of Sleep, explains that alterations in dreaming have long been recognized as indicators of changes in physical, neurological, and mental health. This study, however, is the first to suggest that nightmares may serve as a potential marker for lupus relapse.
This groundbreaking research adds to the growing body of evidence linking sleep symptoms to various health conditions. A recent study in 2022 found a connection between bad dreams and dementia, suggesting that bad dreams could precede thinking and memory problems by several years or even decades.
The study, published in the journal EClinicalMedicine, highlights the importance of recognizing the potential significance of nightmares in monitoring and managing lupus. By paying attention to sleep symptoms, both patients and clinicians may be able to identify impending relapses and take appropriate measures.
These findings provide hope for improved diagnosis and management of lupus, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients. It is essential for healthcare professionals to consider the holistic picture of a patient’s symptoms, including sleep disturbances, to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.
