A recent study by Onebed identified the countries where people experience the most nightmares, based on online search behaviour.
The analysis used Google Keyword Planner to track monthly search volumes for phrases such as “why do I have nightmares,” “how to stop nightmares,” “nightmares meaning,” and “bad dreams.” To compare across countries, search volume was normalized per 100K people using current population data. Countries were then ranked by the frequency of nightmare-related queries relative to population size.
| Country | Search volume of “why do I have nightmares” | Search volume of “how to stop nightmares” | Search volume of “nightmares meaning” | Search volume of “bed dreams” | Total searches | Searches per 100k people |
| United Kingdom | 39,540 | 61,130 | 62,010 | 211,120 | 373,800 | 537.44 |
| Australia | 13,920 | 22,940 | 19,390 | 28,120 | 84,370 | 312.78 |
| United States | 156,730 | 219,590 | 207,310 | 76,650 | 660,280 | 190.13 |
| Norway | 1,450 | 1,460 | 660 | 270 | 3,840 | 68.29 |
| United Arab Emirates | 1,510 | 2,060 | 2,560 | 430 | 6,560 | 57.82 |
| Finland | 840 | 1,210 | 920 | 220 | 3,190 | 56.73 |
| Albania | 390 | 490 | 300 | 370 | 1,550 | 55.93 |
| Philippines | 10,020 | 23,700 | 18,620 | 610 | 52,950 | 45.34 |
| Hong Kong | 810 | 1,130 | 770 | 280 | 2,990 | 40.43 |
| Sweden | 1,460 | 1,520 | 830 | 350 | 4,160 | 39.04 |
You can see the full research here.
The United Kingdom tops the ranking with Brits experiencing the most nightmares, resulting in the most number of nightmare-related searches per 100K people at 537. The most searched phrase was “nightmares meaning” at 62K monthly searches, followed closely by “how to stop nightmares” reaching 61.1K.
Australia comes in second with 312 searches. The top query here was “how to stop nightmares” (22.9K searches), pointing to a more solution-focused mindset. Australians also showed high curiosity around the meanings and causes of bad dreams.
The United States ranks third with 190 searches, trailing both the UK and Australia in relative intensity. But it leads with 660,280 total monthly searches across all nightmare-related terms. The most searched phrase—“how to stop nightmares” with 219.5K queries—is nearly ten times Australia’s volume, showing just how widespread sleep-related stress is in the U.S.
Norway comes in fourth with 68 queries. Among its nightmare-related searches, “how to stop nightmares” and “why do I have nightmares” received the most attention, though the search intensity remains much lower compared to top-ranking countries.
The United Arab Emirates ranks fifth with 57 lookups. The standout term was “nightmares meaning” with 2,560 searches, suggesting a cultural focus on understanding the significance of dreams rather than just preventing them.
Finland comes in sixth at 57 searches, nearly identical to the UAE. Its most searched term, “how to stop nightmares” with 1,210 searches, echoes Norway’s pattern of practical concern. While the intensity is low, it suggests a similar interest in resolving nighttime disruptions.
Albania ranks seventh with 55 searches. Despite being one of the smallest countries on the list, it showed consistent interest in all four search terms. The leading query was “how to stop nightmares” with 490 Google hits.
The Philippines comes in eighth with 45 searches, a steeper drop from Albania. Despite this, its top search term—“how to stop nightmares” with 23,700 searches—rivals Australia’s in raw numbers. The contrast highlights how larger populations can drive massive search volume even with lower relative intensity.
Hong Kong ranks ninth at 40 lookups. The most common question asked is “how to stop nightmares,” searched 1,130 times. While overall interest in nightmares is relatively low, those who are searching are clearly focused on finding immediate relief.
Sweden rounds out the top ten with 39 queries. The top term, “how to stop nightmares” with 1,520 searches, places it between Finland and Hong Kong in raw search numbers. Compared to the UK’s 537 rate, Sweden’s lower search activity may signal different information-seeking habits—or simply fewer reported sleep issues.
Dylan Tollemache Co-Founder & CEO at Onebed, commented on the study: “Nightmares can be a window into our collective anxieties, and the data suggests that populations with higher digital literacy and mental health awareness are more likely to search for explanations or solutions online. What’s striking is the variation between countries with similar socioeconomic profiles, indicating that culture, healthcare access, and even language shape how people respond to stress in their sleep.”
