I’ve woken up countless times in a (figurative) sweat because I was late to an exam or down to the wire with a research paper, when in reality it’s been well over a decade since I last stepped foot in a classroom. Apparently my subconscious likes to unpack the haunting memories of the SATs and International Development Studies 101 (my college major) at 3:01 a.m.
It’s a recurring dream of mine, and I have no doubt it’s telling me what I already know: My MO is worrying (my husband half-jokingly asks me if I ever not worry). But why do some dreams come to us more often than others? “Some dreams mirror our fears and anxieties,”explains Aiten Musaieva, a spiritual advisor at Nebula. “Others show us where we’ve been craving something new. The emotions we experience while we are dreaming give a big hint at what’s been bothering us under the surface.”
Although the meaning behind what goes on in our heads while we sleep depends on our personal experiences and feelings, there are universal dream themes that can reveal what we’re processing. “With a bit of introspection, we can better understand ourselves, our impressions, and our lives, too,” she continues. I asked Musaieva to interpret the dreams people most frequently search for online. Read on for nine of the most common types of dreams and what they could signify for you.
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9 Most Common Dreams and Their Possible Meanings
Dreams of Falling
Ever been jolted awake after having the sensation of hitting the ground after free-falling? Chances are, you feel out of control, overwhelmed, or insecure about something in your life. Musaieva explains that dreams in which you walk, take a step, suddenly do not feel the ground under your feet, and drop from a height make you wake up, but not before you acutely feel a sense of insecurity and fear. “If you had such a dream, most likely you have taken on too much responsibility recently and are afraid of losing [something] or letting someone down,” she says. “Such dreams can symbolize a need to let go and trust the process.”
Dreams of Your Teeth Falling Out
Whether it looks like you’ve gotten your teeth knocked out of you or you’re in dire need of some dentures, it’s unsettling. “Dreams [of your teeth falling out] symbolize anxiety, stress, or feelings of powerlessness,” Musaieva cites. From mirroring concerns about your appearance or aging to being apprehensive about confronting someone you feel you need to to facing something in your life that is changing too quickly, Musaieva says this kind of dream suggests that you’re going through a difficult time mentally.
Dreams of Being Pregnant
When you dream that you or someone you know is expecting, it may not be linked to having a baby at all. However, Musaieva says it can indicate that something new is brewing in your life—a relationship, career move, or personal transformation. “Your soul and mind are waiting for new important ideas to emerge that may change your life,” she adds. “It’s a sign of potential and the promise of new beginnings.”
Dreams of Snakes
Real or unreal, most of us would rather not come face to face with the reptile, but Musaieva says encountering snakes in your dreams can be both fascinating and terrifying as they can symbolize transformation, healing, or hidden fears. While some interpret simply the appearance of the creature in a dream as a warning of danger, she says that’s not always the case. The main indication is what you feel are the snake’s intentions in your dream. “If its appearance is sudden and scary, you should be careful,” she continues. “If you feel more or less calm when you remember this dream, it is most likely a sign of your spiritual transformation.” The color of the snake can provide another layer of meaning, Musaieva explains, where a green snake might represent personal growth, while a red one could signify intense emotions or danger.
Dreams of Spiders
“Dreaming of spiders can evoke many emotions, depending on your attitude towards them in real life,” Musaieva states. “If you see a spider in your dream, perhaps somewhere deep down you feel like you are trapped. But there is also a more positive interpretation: Spiders symbolize patience and the need to develop a plan that will lead you to victory.” But the type of spider you see also matters, Musaieva says: A black widow might represent a toxic relationship, but a harmless garden spider could signify the flowering of your creativity.
Read More: How to Combat Sleep Anxiety
Dreams of Pooping
As TMI as it might be to discuss going number two, one interpretation of dreaming about the act may pleasantly surprise you. “In some cultures, these dreams are seen as harbingers of prosperity,” Musaieva says. Dreams of defecating can also come up if there’s been too much negative energy in your life that you want to cleanse yourself of, Musaieva mentions, or they can symbolize the release of guilt or burdens. “So, while it might be an uncomfortable topic, it’s a sign of emotional processing.”
Dreams of Missing a Deadline or Being Late
Since we all can’t be as lax as Travis Birkenstock and his record of 38 tardies (see: Clueless), dreams of tardiness aren’t out of the ordinary. “Dreams like these can manifest in a person who’s feeling under pressure,” Musaieva says. Perhaps it’s responsibilities or expectations that are weighing on you, feeling unprepared, or the fear of failing—be it a job, relationship, or even a task. These dreams don’t mean a person is failing at something in life, Musaieva points out; they’re more about a feeling of biting off more than you can chew. “If you have dreams like that, maybe it’s time to do the most radical thing you can in our world of constant rush—pause,” she conveys.
Dreams of Having Sex
You just woke up from a steamy scenario with an old flame, your boss, or someone other than your partner. The good news? Sexual dreams (and most dreams, for that matter) aren’t always literal. “Such dreams can be shocking, because often completely unexpected people appear in them,” Musaieva describes. “While some might be straightforward expressions of desire, others delve deeper. They can symbolize a yearning for connection, power dynamics, or aspects of yourself you’re exploring.” Take, for instance, dreaming about intimacy with a stranger; Musaieva says it might reflect a longing for novelty or self-discovery. But whoever makes an appearance alongside you, it’s less about the act and more about the underlying emotions.
Dreams of Someone Who Has Passed Away
A study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that nearly 60 percent of people dream about loved ones who are deceased, with the most prevalent themes including pleasant past memories or experiences, the departed free of illness, memories of the departed’s illness or time of death, the departed in the afterlife appearing comfortable and at peace, and the departed communicating a message. “Dreams involving deceased people can frighten some and comfort others,” Musaieva shares. “Such dreams often indicate unresolved feelings or a desire for closure.”
What Does It Mean to Have Recurring Dreams?
If you keep having the same dream over and over again, Musaieva says ask yourself, What cycles in your life keep repeating? “If you have recurring dreams, it probably means there’s an important lesson you haven’t taken to heart yet,” she notes. Maybe you have lingering emotions that trouble your waking hours, you’re stuck in the same pattern that does you more harm than good, or you keep mulling over a decision that you must make, she says. “Whatever it is, you’re the only one who can find the right answer.”
So what can you do if you’re living an unrelenting Groundhog Dog in your dreams? According to Musaieva, don’t think too literally about it. “Find your hints in the dreams themselves, but remember that those are impressions, too, not instructions,” she says. “Focus on topics that keep appearing, or the way they make you feel.” But if nothing comes to mind at first, Musaieva recommends consistently writing down your thoughts and feelings for a period, and after some time, you’ll notice certain themes repeating themselves. Rather than feeling stuck, she advises thinking about what you can learn and how you can move on from them. “The next time you wake up puzzled by a dream, take a moment to reflect. Your subconscious might be trying to tell you something important.”
Read more: Rest Starts in the Gut: How Your Microbiome Affects Your Sleep
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