Share on Pinterest
Dreams can get pretty weird sometimes. When you wake up from one that was particularly bizarre or vivid, you might feel relieved it was only a dream, one you’ll never have to experience again.
Well, that last part might not always be the case. Some dreams come back not just once, but again and again.
If you have recurring dreams, you might wonder what they mean and whether your brain is trying to tell you something.
Having the same upsetting dream regularly can even start to stress you out or make it tough to get a good night’s sleep.
Why do these dreams happen? Is it possible to get rid of them? Do they have any significant meaning?
Here’s what we do (and don’t) know about them.
While you probably won’t experience the exact same dream as someone else, some dream themes do remain pretty consistent from person to person.
They may not always feel frightening, but they’re more likely to involve negative or stressful experiences than positive ones.
The most commonly reported themes include:
- flying
- falling
- being chased or attacked
- being naked
- getting stuck or trapped somewhere
- going back to school
- losing your teeth
- losing your ability to speak
- missing a test
- showing up late for a first day or important occasion
- moving in slow motion or being unable to run
- crashing or losing control of a vehicle
Your dreams may not be completely identical each time.
For example, you might regularly dream about driving on bridges that drop suddenly. This still counts as a recurring dream, even if you don’t drive along the same bridge in every dream.
Since recurring dreams sometimes begin in childhood, they might change a little over time to reflect your changing experiences and worldview.
In fiction, especially fantasy genres, recurring dreams often suggest a character has supernatural powers, the ability to see the future, or other special talents.
Scientific research hasn’t found any evidence to suggest recurring dreams have any deep or significant meaning beyond exposing potential areas of stress in your life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
Dreams are notoriously difficult to study, and there’s still a lot we don’t know about them.
Experts believe recurring dreams generally reflect important themes in your life, including:
- unmet needs
- areas of frustration
- issues from the past that you haven’t addressed
You’ve probably had some variant of the “forgetting a final exam or research paper” dream. While very real stress related to final exams and research papers may have triggered this dream initially, it can easily come up again later in life, long after graduation.
Since this dream most likely relates to your desire to succeed and your worries about failing, you might have this dream anytime you face an event that provokes similar feelings. This could be an event like a job interview, a big date, or a research proposal.
Daily frustrations
Some theories about dreams suggest they help you process day-to-day experiences.
When you face something that poses a threat or keeps you from achieving goals — anything from workplace insecurities to relationship troubles to difficulty making decisions — you might feel frustrated or stressed. That, in turn, can seep into your dreams.
This idea is backed by 2017 research linking negative recurring dreams to unmet psychological needs.
A group of 200 adult students were asked to evaluate whether their psychological needs were met or unmet.
These needs included:
- autonomy, or the need to feel like you have at least some control over your life
- competence, or the need to have a meaningful impact on your life
- relatedness, or the need to both care for and be cared for by others
Then, they described the recurring dream they had most often. Researchers asked them to rate how positive or negative the dream was, using terms like “hopeful,” “exciting,” “sad,” or “frustrating.”
Those who reported more unmet needs tended to report negative dream themes and describe their dreams with negative emotions.
Unresolved issues
Unpleasant or traumatic events from the past often remain in your memory. People often don’t realize, however, that distress associated with trauma can also linger in bodily and emotional responses. These traumatic events can include:
- abuse
- bullying
- disasters
- family conflict
If you’ve experienced trauma or abuse but haven’t fully acknowledged or processed the experience, you might notice recurring dreams that reflect your emotions related to what happened.
Dreams of drowning, for example, might reflect an overwhelming sense of helplessness, while a dream of being trapped or running in slow motion might suggest you still feel unable to escape.
Recurring dreams can also reflect more everyday internal conflicts.
Maybe you’re struggling with an important decision or feel uncertain about a recent choice you made.
Until you make your choice and come to terms with it, you might experience recurring dreams of being lost, failing a test, or otherwise making a mistake.
Current events
Have you had any recent dreams about wearing masks or people without mouths? Maybe you keep dreaming about being stranded alone somewhere or of giant insects.
Stress related to current events can show up in your dreams.
If COVID-19 news and updates permeate your waking life, there’s a good chance you’ll experience some of this tension in your dreams, too.
These themes may show up clearly (masks and isolation) or more symbolically (bugs, which your brain might translate to virus), according to dream researcher Deirdre Barrett, PhD, in an interview with The Harvard Gazette.
You’re more likely to experience upsetting dreams when you feel anxious or distressed during the day.
If you feel more worried about the future than usual, that’s perfectly understandable. But you may not be able to ease that fear and tension when you sleep until you take steps to manage it during the day.
If a bad dream upsets you the first time you have it, having it multiple times probably won’t make you feel any better.
You can’t always directly control dream content, but it’s often possible to take more indirect action by working to resolve any problems causing stress in your life.
No matter what challenges you’ve faced — from unmet needs to work stress to racism-related trauma — a therapist can offer guidance on self-care strategies and tips for managing distress productively.
In therapy, you can:
It’s generally not possible to eliminate all stress. Changing the way you respond, however, can help reduce any associated frustration and lead to improvements in your mood, your outlook, and your dreams.
Barrett also offers lucid dreaming as a potential strategy for managing unwanted recurring dreams in a 2013 interview with Popular Science.
In a lucid dream, you recognize your dream as just that. Some people use this awareness to control the dream and alter its course.
Others might simply watch the dream as a bystander, knowing that whatever happens, they’re safe, because it’s just a dream.
Interested in lucid dreaming? Try these tips.
Dreams don’t always make a lot of sense, but they can still offer some insight to your emotions and desires.
Recurring themes in your dreams can sometimes provide a key to more concrete issues you’re facing.
Taking the time to explore these challenges, with the help of a professional, can improve your sleep quality and mental health.
Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.
Looking for Expert Opinion?
Let us have a look at your work and suggest how to improve it!
Get a Consultant
|
Which statements accurately compare Beowulf and Grendel? Check all that apply. Both works are written in an Old English poetic style. Beowulf characterizes Grendel as bloodthirsty, but Grendel shows Grendel’s gentler side. Beowulf is sympathetic to the humans, while Grendel shows the monster’s perspective. Both works focus primarily on the hero, Beowulf. Beowulf is a contemporary version of an old tale, while Grendel is based on oral tradition. |
Beowulf characterizes Grendel as bloodthirsty, but Grendel shows Grendel’s gentler side. Beowulf is sympathetic to the humans, while Grendel shows the monster’s perspective. |
|
Read the passage from Beowulf. Then it was like old times in the echoing hall, proud talk and the people happy, loud and excited; until soon enough Halfdane’s heir had to be away to his night’s rest. He realized that the demon was going to descend on the hall, that he had plotted all day, from dawn-light until darkness gathered again over the world and stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth under the cloud-murk. The passage features Anglo-Saxon culture because people are feasting. laughing. relaxing. worrying. |
feasting. |
|
Which statement best describes how Gilgamesh’s dreams affect the plot of Gilgamesh: A New English Version? The dreams lessen any tension in the plot. The dreams introduce the main idea. The dreams shift the focus from Gilgamesh. The dreams create conflict and suspense. |
The dreams create conflict and suspense. |
|
Which detail from Gilgamesh: A New English Version best illustrates a courageous hero? Gilgamesh standing at the top of the mountain and asking for favorable dreams Gilgamesh dreaming of an eagle with a lion’s head and a flaming mouth Gilgamesh asking Enkidu to explain the meaning of his dream to him Gilgamesh standing at edge of the Cedar Forest, ready to battle Humbaba |
Gilgamesh standing at edge of the Cedar Forest, ready to battle Humbaba |
|
Consider the excerpt and theme from Gilgamesh: A New English Version. Enkidu said, "Don’t worry, my friend, the dream you had is a favorable one. The eagle that you saw, with a lion’s head, stands for Humbaba. Though it dived straight toward you and terrifying flames shot from its mouth, nothing could cause you harm. The young man who came to your rescue was our lord, Shamash. He will stand beside us when the monster attacks. Whatever happens, we will prevail." Gilgamesh, happy with his good dream, smiled, and his face lit up with pleasure. Theme One: Dreams have valuable meanings. What other theme is addressed in the excerpt? Imaginary monsters pose no threat. People can depend on their god(s). One must be prepared for battle. Happiness leads to great success. |
People can depend on their god(s). |
|
Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version. Then, from heaven, the voice of the god called to Gilgamesh: "Hurry, attack, attack Humbaba while the time is right, before he enters the depths of the forest, before he can hide there and wrap himself in his seven auras with their paralyzing glare. He is wearing just one now. Attack him! Now!" What effect does Lord Shamash’s intervention have on the epic? It scares Gilgamesh and leads the audience to believe that Gilgamesh will lose. It encourages Gilgamesh to fight and adds excitement for the audience. It causes Gilgamesh to run away and increases the audience’s unease. It causes Gilgamesh to slowly withdraw and provides the audience with relief. |
It encourages Gilgamesh to fight and adds excitement for the audience. |
|
Which best defines the word repetition in epic poetry? the recurrence of words and phrases for a specific effect the duplication of main ideas for development the reproduction of images for emphasis the reappearance of characters for a surprise reaction |
the recurrence of words and phrases for a specific effect |
|
Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version. Gilgamesh backed away. He said, "How dreadful Humbaba’s face has become! It is changing into a thousand nightmare faces, more horrible than I can bear. I feel haunted. I am too afraid to go on." Enkidu answered, "Why, dear friend, do you speak like a coward? What you just said is unworthy of you. It grieves my heart. We must not hesitate or retreat." Which sentence best states the theme of the excerpt? People must persevere despite their fears. Enkidu is a loyal source of encouragement. Gilgamesh needs support to overcome his fear. Cowardice leads to defeat and death. |
People must persevere despite their fears. |
|
Read the passage from Beowulf. The hero arose, surrounded closely by his powerful thanes. A party remained under orders to keep watch on the arms; the rest proceeded, led by their prince under Heorot’s roof. And standing on the hearth in webbed links that the smith had woven, the fine-forged mesh of his gleaming mail-shirt, resolute in his helmet, Beowulf spoke: Which word from the passage is a feature of Anglo-Saxon culture? powerful thanes roof gleaming |
thanes |
|
Which detail from Gilgamesh: A New English Version best illustrates a challenging journey? The two men travel a thousand miles at a time before they stop for the night. Gilgamesh makes an offering to the mountain and asks for a favorable dream. Gilgamesh dreams that an enormous mountain falls on him and Enkidu. The two men can hear the roar of Humbaba as they get to the Cedar Forest. |
The two men travel a thousand miles at a time before they stop for the night. |
|
Read the line from Grendel. Hrothgar met with his council for many nights and days, and they drank and talked and prayed to their curious carved-out creatures and finally came to a decision. Which statement best describes Grendel’s perspective? He describes the length of the men’s decision-making process. He describes the way the men socialize and relax together. He thinks that the men’s religious behavior is strange and interesting. He thinks that Hrothgar is a strong leader who will challenge any opponent. |
He thinks that the men’s religious behavior is strange and interesting. |
|
In Gilgamesh: A New English Version, Gilgamesh repeatedly has dreams and says, "Enkidu, dear friend, I have had a dream." What effect does this repetition have? It creates a main idea that the audience can understand, and it establishes Gilgamesh as the main character. It creates a rhythmic pattern that the audience can follow, and it signals that the audience will hear a new dream. It creates a new structure that the audience needs to hear, and it shows how long Gilgamesh’s journey has been. It creates a vivid image that the audience can see, and it establishes a more realistic way of storytelling. |
It creates a rhythmic pattern that the audience can follow, and it signals that the audience will hear a new dream. |
|
Read the passage from Beowulf. They marched in step, hurrying on till the timbered hall rose before them, radiant with gold. Nobody on earth knew of another building like it. Majesty lodged there, its light shone over many lands. Which feature of Old English poetry did this modern translation maintain? alliteration full lines rhyme short pauses |
alliteration |
|
The use of _______ is a common feature of epic poetry like The Rámáyan of Válmíki. |
detailed descriptions |
|
Read the passage from The Rámáyan of Válmíki. His brother, fell before his feet, And cried, "Thy claim all men allow: O come, our lord and king be thou." But Ráma nobly chose to be Observant of his sire’s decree. He placed his sandals in his hand A pledge that he would rule the land: And bade his brother turn again. Then Bharat, finding prayer was vain, The sandals took and went away; Nor in Ayodhyá would he stay. But turned to Nandigráma, where He ruled the realm with watchful care, Still longing eagerly to learn Tidings of Ráma’s safe return. Bharat is characterized as a(n) ______ king. |
ineffective |
|
Read the passage from The Rámáyan of Válmíki. His brother, fell before his feet, And cried, "Thy claim all men allow: O come, our lord and king be thou." But Ráma nobly chose to be Observant of his sire’s decree. The reader can conclude that the passage is part of an epic poem because Ráma is a royal prince. has a loyal following. is a courageous hero. has a devoted brother. |
is a courageous hero. |
|
What is one effect of repeating Ráma’s name numerous times in The Rámáyan of Válmíki? It creates a rhythmic pattern. It emphasizes Ráma’s importance. It identifies Ráma as supernatural. It shows that Ráma is the main villain. |
It identifies Ráma as supernatural. |
|
Read the passage from "A Shield." A lonely warrior,I am wounded with iron, Scarred with sword-points,sated with battle-play, Weary of weapons.I have witnessed much fighting, Much stubborn strife. Which feature most helps indicate to the reader that this modern translation was originally an Old English poem? alliteration character plot rhyme |
alliteration |
|
Read the passage from "A Shield." A lonely warrior,I am wounded with iron, Scarred with sword-points,sated with battle-play, Weary of weapons.I have witnessed much fighting, Much stubborn strife. Which word from the passage helps characterize the shield as part of Anglo-Saxon culture? warrior iron wounded strife |
warrior |
|
Read the passage from "A Shield." A lonely warrior,I am wounded with iron, Scarred with sword-points,sated with battle-play, Weary of weapons.I have witnessed much fighting, Much stubborn strife.From the strokes of war I have no hopefor help or release Ere I pass from the worldwith the proud warrior band. Which is the best summary of the passage’s theme? War leaves enduring scars. Fighting leads to contentment. Great honor is found in battle. It takes courage to end conflict. |
War leaves enduring scars. |
|
Read the excerpt from Lena’s paper on "A Shield." Based on the phrases "I am wounded with iron" and "I have witnessed much fighting," the shield in the poem must be an old shield carried by a seasoned warrior. In her statement, Lena is analyzing the historical impact of the text. assessing the use of alliteration in the text. studying the development of language in the text. supporting an inference with evidence from the text. |
supporting an inference with evidence from the text. |
|
Read the passage from Beowulf. At last for the Danemen, When the slaughter was over, their wish was accomplished. The comer-from-far-land had cleansed then of evil, Wise and valiant, the war-hall of Hrothgar, Saved it from violence. He joyed in the night-work, In repute for prowess; the prince of the Geatmen For the East-Danish people his boast had accomplished, Bettered their burdensome bale-sorrows fully . . . Based on the passage, what is most likely the Danish perspective on the battle? They are proud that Grendel is dead and they helped kill him. They are afraid of Beowulf conquering them now that Grendel is dead. They are sad that Beowulf showed no mercy and Grendel is dead. They are relieved that Grendel is dead and their trials are over now. |
They are relieved that Grendel is dead and their trials are over now. |
|
Read the excerpt from a paper on Beowulf. Beowulf builds upon the message "good will overcome evil" by also including the message "those who overcome challenges are rewarded." The paper compares . |
themes |
|
Read the passage about Grendel from Beowulf. For no cause whatever would the earlmen’s defender Leave in life-joys the loathsome newcomer, He deemed his existence utterly useless To men under heaven. Now, read the passage about Hrothgar from Grendel. Meanwhile, those who paid tribute to him were forced to strike at more distant halls to gather the gold they paid to Hrothgar—and a little on the side for themselves. His power overran the world, from the foot of my cliff to the northern sea to the impenetrable forests south and east. They hacked down trees in widening rings around their central halls and blistered the land with peasant huts and pigpen fences till the forest looked like an old dog dying of mange. Which is the most accurate comparison of the two passages? From Beowulf’s perspective, the Danes are helpless innocents, but from Grendel’s perspective, Grendel is the helpless innocent. From Beowulf’s perspective, Grendel is a villain, but from Grendel’s perspective, Hrothgar and the Danes are the villains. Both Beowulf and Grendel think they are acting to save the environment from further destruction. Both Beowulf and Grendel think they are acting according to the will of the gods. |
From Beowulf’s perspective, Grendel is a villain, but from Grendel’s perspective, Hrothgar and the Danes are the villains. |
|
Read the passage from Beowulf. He joyed in the night-work, In repute for prowess; the prince of the Geatmen For the East-Danish people his boast had accomplished, Bettered their burdensome bale-sorrows fully, The craft-begot evil they erstwhile had suffered And were forced to endure from crushing oppression, Their manifold misery. Based on the passage, the reader can infer that the Danes are eager for Beowulf’s departure. the Danes are resentful of Beowulf’s bragging. Beowulf is planning to continue being a warrior. Beowulf is intending to become king of the Danes. |
Beowulf is planning to continue being a warrior. |