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Having the same dream more than once qualifies it as recurrent. Such dreams are rare, as they seldom repeat exactly, notes Barrett. While they can persist into adulthood, they are more common in childhood. Moreover, the interval between these repeated dreams can vary – they might happen multiple times a month or be years apart.
Recurring dreams might be identical in every recurrence, or they may revolve around similar themes or settings.
Not many people experience recurring dreams often, says Dr. Nirit Soffer-Dudek, a senior lecturer in psychology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. She adds that when recalling past dreams, memory distortions, one's interest in dreams, or other factors might influence their recollections.
Regardless, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, founder of Silicon Psych in Menlo Park, California, believes that any recurring theme in dreams merits examination.
Understanding the cause of these dreams is vital.
**Deciphering the Meaning Behind Recurring Dreams**
Some recurring dreams have evident meanings. For instance, if you often dream about being late for work or school, you might be grappling with fears of unpreparedness. However, other common dreams may not have universally applicable interpretations, requiring personal reflection.
Barrett emphasizes that dream symbols aren't universal but are influenced by an individual's personal experiences and associations. Common themes of recurring nightmares, according to Barrett and Dimitriu, include social shame, feelings of inadequacy, and threats like accidents or natural disasters.
For example, some people, even years after school, still dream of exams. This could reflect a deep-seated fear of failure or judgment. Dreams of losing or damaging teeth might indicate worries about loss, vulnerability, or health concerns. It's crucial to understand your fears, beliefs, and the major factors influencing these dreams.
Barrett suggests that informal dream interpretation can be beneficial, either alone or with a trusted confidant who might offer fresh perspectives.
Dimitriu notes that recurring dreams are particularly prevalent among those with anxiety disorders or PTSD, especially those of a nervous disposition. In cases of PTSD, the traumatic event is so overwhelming that it manifests as a recurring nightmare. "The brain is attempting to process and move past the trauma," he elaborates. However, the intense nature of PTSD-related dreams can disrupt sleep, leaving the individual in a loop of unresolved trauma.
Recurring dreams can also have physiological origins. Dimitriu mentions that sleep apnea patients often dream of drowning or suffocation, which mirrors their actual breathing difficulties. External factors, like a distant car alarm, can also influence dream content.
The strategies to manage recurring dreams will be discussed in the subsequent article. Click here: https://www.articles-bank.com/2023/08/managing-recurrent-dreams.html