The mysterious world of recurring dreams

Dreams have been a subject of fascination and study for centuries. From the spiritual interpretations of ancient civilizations to modern psychological approaches, dreams have been a mysterious window into our subconscious mind. Within this dream world, recurring dreams hold a special place due to their persistence and symbolism.

What are recurring dreams?

Recurring dreams are those that repeat themselves in our minds during sleep, either with the same plot, images or similar themes. These dreams can manifest themselves over days, months or even years, and many people experience them at some point in their lives. What makes them intriguing is that they are often linked to unresolved emotional or psychological issues in the dreamer's life.

According to a study published in Dreaming: Journal of the Association for the Study of Dreams , about 60% of people have experienced recurring dreams at least once in their lives. These dreams are usually most frequent during childhood and adolescence, although they can persist into adulthood.

Common characteristics of recurring dreams

Although the details vary from person to person, recurring dreams tend to share certain common characteristics:

1. Universal themes: Many people report dreams about being chased, falling from great heights, getting lost, being late for an important event, or finding unfamiliar rooms in a familiar home.
2. Intense emotions: Recurring dreams are often accompanied by strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration or sadness.
3. Repetitive settings: Settings and plots tend to be consistent, though specific details may vary slightly between episodes.

Psychological interpretations

Psychology has attempted to shed light on why recurring dreams occur and what they mean. One of the most influential approaches is the psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud, who argued that dreams are a way for the subconscious to process repressed desires and internal conflicts. In the case of recurring dreams, these could indicate an unresolved emotional or psychological issue.

On the other hand, Carl Gustav Jung suggested that recurring dreams could be related to universal archetypes and the process of individuation, a search for psychological integration. For Jung, these dreams could be messages from the unconscious that seek to guide the individual towards internal balance.

More recently, studies in neuroscience and cognitive psychology have proposed that recurring dreams might be a form of mental rehearsal. For example, psychologist Tore Nielsen, a sleep researcher at the University of Montreal, suggests that these dreams might be the brain's attempts to process unresolved information and emotions, or even prepare the person to face similar situations in real life.

Common Types of Recurring Dreams and Their Meaning

Recurring dreams can vary widely, but some themes are particularly common:

1. Falls: Dreams in which a person feels like they are falling may be related to the feeling of losing control in daily life.
2. Being chased: This type of dream is usually linked to fear or avoidance of something in waking life, such as problems or responsibilities.
3. Getting lost: Getting lost in an unfamiliar place can reflect a feeling of confusion or lack of direction in life.
4. Natural disasters: Dreaming about earthquakes, tsunamis or other disasters could symbolize fear of drastic changes or events beyond our control.
5. Falling teeth: This fairly common dream could be related to insecurities or concerns about your appearance or ability to communicate effectively.

The impact of recurring dreams on mental health

For some people, recurring dreams may be harmless or even interesting. However, in other cases they can have a negative impact on mental health, especially if they are related to traumatic events. For example, people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience recurring dreams that recreate the trauma they experienced.

In a study conducted by researcher Rosalind Cartwright, it was found that people who manage to resolve conflicts or problems within their recurring dreams often report improvements in their emotional well-being. This suggests that recurring dreams may also have a therapeutic role if addressed appropriately.

How to deal with recurring dreams

If recurring dreams are causing distress or interference with daily life, there are several strategies that may help:

1. Keep a dream journal: Writing down the details of recurring dreams can help you identify common patterns or themes.
2. Psychological therapy: Talking to a therapist can help explore the underlying meanings of dreams and resolve unresolved emotional issues.
3. Relaxation practices: Meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can reduce stress, which may decrease the frequency of recurring dreams.
4. Lucid Dreaming: Some people have reported that learning to control their dreams through lucid dreaming techniques has allowed them to change the course of recurring dreams and find resolutions.

The future of the study of recurring dreams

As technology advances, scientists are beginning to explore dreams in more sophisticated ways. Neuroimaging and other advanced tools are allowing researchers to observe brain activity during sleep in real time. This could help clarify why recurring dreams occur and how they relate to our conscious experiences and emotions.

Furthermore, the development of techniques such as dream state estimation and dream manipulation could open up new avenues for using dreams as therapeutic tools. For example, researchers at the University of Geneva are experimenting with the possibility of introducing sounds or keywords during sleep to alter its content, which could be particularly useful for people with recurring trauma-related dreams.

Conclusion

Recurring dreams are a fascinating and often perplexing manifestation of the dream world. Although many questions remain unanswered, advances in psychology and neuroscience are helping to unravel the mysteries surrounding these phenomena. For those who experience them, recurring dreams can be both a burden and an opportunity: a burden if they generate distress, but also an opportunity to explore and resolve deep aspects of the human psyche.

Sources consulted:

1. Nielsen, T. (2000). "Nightmares and Recurrent Dreams: Their Relationship to Well-Being." Dreaming: Journal of the Association for the Study of Dreams .
2. Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of Dreams .
3. Cartwright, R. (2010). "The Role of Dreams in Emotional Regulation." Sleep Medicine Clinics .
4. Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and His Symbols .
5. University of Montreal. (2019). "Studies on Dream Patterns."