These dreams tend to replay a similar situation, such as being late, being chased or being lost, but the exact content of the dream differs from one time to the next, such as being late for a train rather than for an exam.įinally, at the other end of the continuum, we find certain dream elements recurring in the dreams of one individual, such as characters, actions or objects. Unlike traumatic dreams, recurring dreams rarely replay an event or conflict directly but reflect it metaphorically through a central emotion.įurther along the continuum are the recurring themes in dreams. Then there are recurring dreams where the same dream content is replayed in part or in its entirety. At the extreme end, traumatic nightmares directly reproduce a lived trauma - one of the main symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. William Domhoff, an American researcher and psychologist, proposes the concept of a continuum of repetition in dreams. Although the circumstances are different, a similar feeling of stress or desire to excel can trigger the same dream scenario again. This is why some people, when faced with a stressful situation or a new challenge, may dream they're showing up unprepared for a math exam, even years after they have set foot in a school. The same script can be reused in different situations where we experience similar emotions. These themes can be thought of as scripts or ready-to-dream scenarios that provide us with a space where we can digest our conflicting emotions. Similarly, being inappropriately dressed in one's dream, being naked or not being able to find a toilet can all represent scenarios of embarrassment or modesty. This is a typical example of a metaphor that can represent emotions of helplessness, panic or fear experienced in waking life. For example, dreaming about a tsunami is common following trauma or abuse. Recurrent dreams often metaphorically reflect the emotional concerns of the dreamers. These dreams tend to recur during stressful situations and cease when the person has resolved their personal conflict, which indicates improved wellbeing. The presence of recurrent dreams has also been associated with lower levels of psychological wellbeing and the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many theories agree that recurring dreams are related to unresolved difficulties or conflicts in the dreamer's life. In the case of recurrent dreams, repetitive content could represent an unsuccessful attempt to integrate these difficult experiences. Incorporating emotional material into dreams may allow the dreamer to process a painful or difficult event.

Why does our brain play the same dreams over and over again? Studies suggest that dreams, in general, help us regulate our emotions and adapt to stressful events. These dreams may disappear for a few years, reappear in the presence of a new source of stress and then disappear again when the situation is over. In some cases, recurring dreams that begin in childhood can persist into adulthood. But some recurring themes can also be positive, even euphoric, such as dreams where we discover new rooms in our house, erotic dreams or where we fly. More than half of recurring dreams involve a situation where the dreamer is in danger. The majority of recurring dreams have negative content involving emotions such as fear, sadness, anger and guilt. For example, being chased, falling, being unprepared for an exam, arriving late or trying to do something repeatedly are among the most prevalent scenarios. Not only do these dreams have the same themes, they can also repeat the same narrative night after night.Īlthough the exact content of recurring dreams is unique to every individual, there are common themes among individuals and even among cultures and in different periods. Recurring dreams often occur during times of stress, or over long periods of time, sometimes several years or even a lifetime. But where does the phenomenon come from? The science of dreams shows that recurring dreams may reflect unresolved conflicts in the dreamer's life.

Psychology of dreams and nightmares