The mediating effect of anxiety in the relationship between nightmares and night eating syndrome in female undergraduate students

Abstract

Background and Objective: A nightmare is an unpleasant dream that awakes individuals and causes anxiety, fear and despair which lead to impulsive behaviors such as night eating. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating effects of depression and anxiety on the relationship between nightmare and night eating syndrome (NES). Both depression and anxiety are strongly relevant to a nightmare, which could increase night eating behaviors. Methods: Participants of the study were 171 female undergraduate students (mean age 21.70 ± 1.76 years). All completed the following questionnaires: Disturbing Dream and Nightmare Severity Index, Night Eating Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Results: Results showed there was a significant correlation among nightmare severity and night eating, depression, anxiety and insomnia (p < 0.05). After controlling for insomnia, anxiety continued to partially mediate the relationship between nightmare severity and NES (n = 171, B = 0.033, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.107). However, depression was not significant. Conclusions: In conclusion, anxiety but not depression may be an important treatment target in treating females who have both nightmares and night eating.