Have you ever found yourself experiencing the same dream over and over again, like a stuck record? You’re not alone. Recurring dreams are a common phenomenon that can be intriguing, confusing, or even a little scary.
I used to have recurring dreams, particularly as a child, when I experienced high anxiety levels. My dreams were about my grandmother, who lived with us and was very sick. I didn’t really know her; she was a strong woman who scared me when I was so tiny.
My dream always focused on her as the centre. After she passed away, my recurring dream of her stopped. Perhaps I was jealous of all my mother’s attention that she needed instead as she was so ill, or maybe her strong personality and pain from illness were too scary and fierce for a 3-year-old. Either way, she dominated my recurring dreams for a long time.
There are many suggestions as to why some people have recurring dreams. Most reasons point towards unresolved trauma or issues your brain needs to resolve.
In this article, I will delve into recurring dreams, exploring why they happen and what our brains might try to tell us. More importantly, we’ll discuss strategies to hit the ‘stop’ button on those unwelcome repeat dream sequences.
Firstly, I want to point out that recurring dreams and nightmares can be treated. Although my website typically deals with the spiritual side of dreaming, if you experience recurring dreams or nightmares, check out the Sleep Foundation and The Mayo Clinic for professional advice on dealing with recurring dreams.
Is It Normal To Dream Every Night?
It’s completely normal to dream every night or, to be more precise, every time we enter the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. This stage occurs multiple times during a typical night’s sleep when most dreams happen.
The average person dreams 3-6 times per night, even if we don’t always remember them.
So, if you’re a nightly dreamer, it’s not an anomaly. It’s a sign that your brain works just as it should during sleep!
What Is A Recurring Dream?
So, what exactly is a recurring dream? In simple terms, a recurring dream is a dream theme or sequence that repeats itself over various nights, months, or even years.
These dreams can be about anything, from being chased by a monster to losing teeth. They can be pleasant, mundane, or downright frightening.
The key factor is that they repeat, often with minor variations but essentially telling the same story.
Recurring dreams are like an old movie that keeps playing repeatedly, especially when you’re off to sleep.
What Are Your Dreams Telling You?
Okay, so we’ve established what recurring dreams are. Now, what are these dreams trying to tell us? From my personal experience and what I’ve learned, recurring dreams often have a significant meaning. They are not random; they are driven by emotions, experiences, fears, or desires that might not be addressed in your waking life.
For example, suppose you continuously dream about losing your teeth. In that case, it might suggest that you’re grappling with feelings of powerlessness or fear of losing control in a particular aspect of your life. Dreams of being chased often point to fear or avoidance. Perhaps you’re running from something in your life you’d rather not face.
The key to understanding what your recurring dreams are trying to communicate is in the details. These details can explain the unresolved issues or emotions your subconsciousness is trying to bring to your attention.
Remember, dreams are a reflection of your subconscious mind. They are your brain’s way of processing daily events, emotions, and experiences, turning them into a narrative while you sleep. So the next time you wake up from a recurring dream, instead of shaking it off, take a moment to reflect on it. You might be surprised at what your dreams are trying to tell you!
Are Recurring Dreams a Message?
Recurring dreams can often be viewed as messages from our subconscious. They may reflect ongoing issues, struggles, or unprocessed emotions that need our attention in our waking life. These dreams keep recurring because the issue they represent hasn’t been resolved.
For instance, if you’re constantly finding yourself taking an exam in a dream and feeling unprepared, it could be that your subconscious reflects your insecurities or feelings of being ill-prepared in some areas of your life. This dream indicates that you might need to confront these feelings or the situations causing them.
Remember, not all recurring dreams are negative. Some recurring dreams could also reflect positive aspects of our lives, like achieving a goal or experiencing a joyful event.
Our dreams, especially the recurring ones, can serve as a mirror, reflecting the deepest corners of our minds and emotions. Interpreting these dream messages might provide valuable insights into our emotional health and personal growth. So, listen to them. They might have something important to say!
How Do I Stop Recurring Dreams?
So, you’ve been having the same dream over and over. You know they’re trying to tell you something, but maybe you can’t figure it out, or they’re just plain unsettling. You want them to stop. But how? Here are a few strategies you can try to end those recurring dreams.
1. Understand the Dream: The first step is to understand what the dream is trying to tell you. Try keeping a dream journal where you record as many details from the dream as possible. Over time, patterns might emerge that can give you insight into the underlying issues your dream is addressing.
2. Address the Issue: Once you’ve identified the issue your dream is highlighting, it’s vital to address it. This might mean having a difficult conversation, changing certain behaviours or seeking professional help like a therapist or a counsellor. It’s not always comfortable but necessary for growth and healing.
3. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Believe it or not, poor sleep quality can contribute to recurring dreams. Ensure you’re getting sufficient rest and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid caffeine and screens before bedtime, and make your sleep environment as comfortable as possible.
4. Try Visualisation and Lucid Dreaming Techniques: Visualisation involves imagining a different ending to your recurring dream, which can help change the narrative in your subconscious mind. Lucid dreaming, where you become aware you’re dreaming and can control the dream, can also be beneficial. There are many resources available to help you learn these techniques.
5. Seek Professional Help: If your recurring dreams are causing significant distress or sleep disruption, it might be helpful to seek professional help. Therapists trained in dream interpretation or cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can provide practical techniques to address and reduce recurring dreams.
Remember, patience is key. It might take time to stop recurring dreams, but with understanding and proactive steps, you can change your dreamscape.
Where Can I Get Help With Nightmares?
If nightmares are causing a significant disruption to your sleep or daily life, seeking help is essential. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, can provide valuable assistance. They are trained to understand the complexities of the human mind and can help you decipher the root cause of your nightmares. In some cases, they may employ techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy, which can be particularly effective in treating nightmares.
Another resource to consider is a sleep specialist or a sleep clinic. As the name suggests, they specialise in treating sleep disorders, including nightmares. They can provide comprehensive treatments and tips to improve sleep hygiene and quality.
Additionally, joining support groups in person or online can offer comfort, understanding, and practical advice. Hearing others’ experiences and coping strategies may help you feel less alone and provide new ideas for managing your nightmares.
Don’t forget. There’s always help available. It may take courage to reach out, but taking the first step towards managing your nightmares can lead to better sleep and improved mental well-being.
Final Mindful Thoughts
Understanding recurring dreams and nightmares isn’t just about decoding symbols or unravelling a mystery. It’s about deeper introspection and self-awareness. Your dreams are a part of you, a reflection of your subconscious mind trying to communicate.
By acknowledging and addressing these messages, you can end distressing recurring dreams and discover valuable insights about your emotions and experiences.
Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers right away and seeking help is not a sign of weakness but one of strength.
With patience, understanding, and the right resources, you can navigate the fascinating realm of your dreams and work towards better sleep and overall well-being.