Clinical sleep study proves that the Nightmare King increases the chance of having nightmares by 3.5 times

Can a burger give you nightmares? That’s what Burger King set out to prove with an unusual research study on its latest Halloween burger, the Nightmare King. This spooky sandwich features a savoury flame–grilled beef patty, a 100% white meat crispy chicken fillet, melted American cheese, thick-cut bacon, creamy mayonnaise, and onions all assembled on a green bun.

In partnership with the Paramount Trials and Florida Sleep & Neuro Diagnostic Services Inc. and Goldforest Inc., Burger King conducted a scientific study over 10 nights with 100 participants (or victims?) who ate the Nightmare King before they went to bed. By tracking various signals from the sleeping subjects, including their heart rate, brain activity and breath, a group of doctors and scientists identified whether the individuals had vivid dreams.

"Someone... transformed into the figure of a snake," reported one of the study’s subjects when asked about her dream. Another recalled “aliens attacking” the boat he was on. “According to previous studies, 4% of the population experiences nightmares in any given night,” said Dr Jose Gabriel Medina, a specialized somnologist and the study’s lead doctor. “But, after eating the Nightmare King, the data obtained from the study indicated that the incidence of nightmares increased by 3.5 times.”

Dr Medina points out that the unique combination of proteins and cheese in the Nightmare King led to “an interruption of the subjects’ REM (Rapid Eye Movement) cycles, during which we experience the majority of our dreams.”

The Nightmare King is available in all Burger King restaurants in Malta for a limited time period.

“Some Burger King sandwiches are the burgers of dreams. The Nightmare King is the burger of nightmares. If you’re brave enough, or just enjoy a good scare, visit your nearest Burger King restaurant and try this haunting new sandwich. Happy Halloween!” said Isabelle Hyzler, Marketing Executive, Food Chain Limited.

The Burger King brand is operated in Malta by Food Chain Limited, a member of the Farsons Group. Burger King restaurants are situated in Valletta, Paceville, Sliema, the Malta International Airport in Gudja, with a Drive-Thru in Qormi and a Drive-Thru in Mosta.