Frequent nightmares strain the body and brain and could be related to developing some chronic conditions. Today, frequent nightmares have their own diagnosis, called nightmare disorder, which up to 8 percent of people suffer. Frequent nightmares were a stronger predictor of premature death than other risk factors like smoking, obesity, and poor nutrition. Nightmares can also negatively affect sleep quality and duration, “impairing the body’s essential overnight cellular restoration and repair,” Otaiku explained. Today, frequent nightmares have their own diagnosis.