Dream Of Seeing Someone Double? The 111 Latest Answer

What does it mean when you dream about someone? This is one of the most common questions people have about their dreams.

Finally, dreams provide a rich, universal language for speaking about present and future concerns.

Below we look at 9 frequently asked questions and 9 helpful answers.

We will teach you all about the possible symbols and themes to deepen your understanding of what these dreams could mean to you.

1. When you dream about someone, does he think about you?

The notion that when you dream about someone, they dream about you is a common misconception.

This is actually a false assumption, because your brain never stops making new connections, even when you’re asleep.

Of course it can also be the case that when you dream of someone, they often think of you or even dream about you.

This phenomenon is called “dream telepathy” and has been extensively studied by scientists who have found no solid evidence that dream telepathy exists.

Some research suggests that when a person dreams about someone else during their sleep, they are actually dreaming about themselves.

Dreams basically reflect what someone was doing or thinking before they went to sleep.

In this respect it is of course possible that the person who dreams of you thinks of you.

However, there is no evidence that this is a common occurrence.

2. What does it mean when you dream about someone you barely know?

Dreaming about people we barely know can be very confusing and frightening.

It’s not uncommon to dream about people from our past that we have forgotten or with whom we have never had a strong relationship.

When you dream of someone you barely know, it is a sign of a connection you feel with them, although you may not know why.

It could mean that you like the person and that in some way that person has a place in your life.

It could also indicate that this person represents something to you that you are not fully aware of.

If there are people in your life who keep appearing in your dreams, then it could be because they play an important role in your life that you haven’t fully acknowledged (yet).

Take the time to think about these people and what they might represent to you – why do you think they are suddenly appearing in your dreams?

There are many instances where people even dream about someone they have never met.

For example, if you liked someone growing up and never met them during that time, the dreams could represent frustration at not being able to connect with the person, or even your emotional attachment to them.

3. Is it true when you see someone in your dream that they miss you?

When people dream of other people, it usually has more to do with the dreamer’s life than the other person’s.

The dreamer may be worried about the other person and may be dreaming about them because they are in an emotional state right now.

Dreams are a product of our subconscious, and as such dreams generally have no real relevance to what is going on in other people’s waking lives.

Dreaming about someone you know is a common experience for many people.

One study found that 60% of people dream about someone they know, and 95% of those people dream about their current romantic partner at least once a month.

Dreams can also be deeply personal and represent fear or uncertainty that you are unaware of.

However, sometimes there can be a symbolic meaning that we can derive from the dream.

And because dreams are the product of our own unconscious thoughts and experiences, it means that when we dream about someone, it’s not because they’re thinking about us, it’s because we’re unconsciously thinking about them.

4. What does it mean when you dream about someone all the time?

Dreams can be interpreted to provide insight into a person’s unconscious desires or fears. The person you dream about could be a part of your life that you need to focus on.

If we keep dreaming about certain people, it could mean that they are meaningful or important to us, but not in the way we would expect.

To dream of someone could represent relationship with them in your life. The person could also be an aspect of you that you find difficult to understand or that you have not dealt with.

Dreams can help us understand ourselves better as they often reflect parts of our personality that we are not aware of.

People generally dream about someone they have strong feelings for.

So if you have regular dreams about a certain person, chances are you have strong feelings for them.

Facing these feelings may be difficult, but do your best not to let them consume you and cause grief.

5. What does it mean when you dream about your ex?

People dream about their ex-boyfriends for many reasons, but one of the most common is that they feel conflicted or unresolved about the relationship.

Dreaming about an ex could mean that you want him back or it could be a sign that you are ready to break up with him.

For example, dreaming of an ex can be a sign that you are comfortable with the breakup.

It can also mean the opposite, which is that you’re still pining for him or that you’re still attracted to him and want to get back together with him.

The dreamer often interprets their ex in a dream as a sign of their deep-rooted feelings for the person.

They may also daydream about what could have been if they had chosen to stay in the relationship or had not chosen to break up with them.

It is important to note that not all dreams about an ex mean something significant.

Dreaming about someone you used to like may indicate that you are trying to reconnect with that person. You may not have learned to let go and move on.

To dream of an ex is often a sign of unresolved feelings or anger.

Maybe you dream about them because that’s the only way you can communicate with them.

It’s also possible that your dreams bring a sense of completion to the relationship, allowing you to heal and move on.

6. So how do I stop dreaming about my ex?

Many people experience nightmares about their ex, and this is especially true for those who have recently gone through a breakup.

The dreams are usually related to an unresolved event in the relationship, which can be anything from jealousy to a lack of closure.

Nobody likes to dream about their ex, even if they are happy in a relationship.

It’s just a waste of sleep and can keep you from enjoying the present.

The key to stopping dreaming about your ex is understanding what triggered the nightmare and finding a way to resolve it.

It could be as simple as finding closure or changing your perspective on the situation.

There are other options too; For example, you can write a letter or talk to someone about how you are feeling.

Specifically, the best way to stop dreaming about your ex is to get him out of your mind by focusing on other things before you fall asleep.

Treat yourself to something to do before bed: watch TV, read a book, make dinner, wash dishes, listen to soothing music, or take a bath and just relax before bed.

The key is to keep your thoughts busy so they don’t wander off to your ex.

Also, try to get some exercise during the day (but not too close to bedtime).

Research shows that this can help some people sleep better because it helps reduce stress and anxiety.

8. What does it mean if I keep dreaming about people from high school?

In the interpretation of dreams, high school is often seen as a new beginning.

In a high school environment, starting over is often met with trepidation.

If the previous day was a troubled day, this night’s dreams may reflect that.

High school dreams can depict a person trying to escape from themselves or their problems.

The dreams can also show someone who has made some mistakes and is trying to make them right.

9. The spiritual meaning of dreaming about the same person

This generally indicates that you and this person have some kind of karmic connection or unfinished business.

If you dream about someone you haven’t thought about for years, it’s possible that person is trying to send you a message from the other side.

If you dream about someone you haven’t thought about for years, it’s possible that person is trying to send you a message from the other side.

If you keep having the same dream about the same person, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at your relationship with them. There may be something unresolved between the two of you that needs to be addressed.

Alternatively, this type of repetitive dreaming could simply be a way for your subconscious to process whatever emotions you are currently experiencing in relation to that person.

If you keep dreaming about the same person, it’s important to figure out what the dreams mean to you.

What about this person evokes such strong emotions in you? What do they represent to you?

Once you have figured out what the dream is trying to tell you, you can start working on solving any issues that you may be stressing or anxious about.

Common dream interpretations for why some people keep appearing in your dreams

Dreams are one of the most interesting parts of life. They happen while we sleep and can be very informative.

In some cases, they are a sign that something is going on in our lives that is not being addressed.

Dreaming about someone can only be a reflection of your thoughts and feelings towards that person.

However, it could also be a sign or symbol of something else that is important in your life.

It is difficult to interpret exactly what dreams mean, but they are often symbolic of the situations in our lives that we struggle with the most.

It could also be an indicator of things we think about in our waking hours.

Dreams can be about anything, sometimes even things we have never seen or experienced in real life.

When you dream about someone, it usually reflects how you feel about them in your waking life.

Your dream may be telling you to pay attention to this person in your waking life.

Your subconscious may be trying to connect the dots of something and needs your conscious mind to help it figure it out.

You may also want to pay attention to recurring themes for clues as to what is going on in your life.

Why would you discuss these dreams with people you know well?

Your best friend has a knack for what your subconscious is trying to tell you.

They know you better than anyone and can tell what you’re going through without you saying anything at all. If you have a problem or have a horrible dream, just tell them and they will know what to do.

As for your peers, they probably won’t be able to pick up on what’s bothering you.

They are not as close to you and do not have the same perspective on the many different ways your mind works.

Each dream is a different story and can be analyzed by examining the symbols in the dream, the current situation in the dreamer’s life, and their family dynamics.

For example, a dream in which a family member disapproves of the dreamer’s current relationship may reflect fear of disapproval from the family member.

This type of dream can also be an indication that the family member is feeling lonely or left out in the family.

interpretation of dreams in general

Dreams are the result of your subconscious trying to process emotions and thoughts that you had during the day.

Some psychologists often interpret dreams with a kind of symbolic language. These interpretations can vary from person to person, but there are some general themes you can expect.

Dreams can be analyzed with Freudian and Jungian psychology because they are representations of mental processes.

Dreams usually represent what we are feeling in the present or what we want in the future.

They also represent our hidden desires and our deepest fears.

The subconscious tries to understand everything that happened during the day and it does this by responding with symbols and images from our daily lives and experiences.

Some people believe dreams are just stories created by the brain to process information or understand experiences and feelings, while others say dreams have significant meaning.

A dream can be viewed as a way for the subconscious to process information that it does not consciously understand.

Dreams allow us to process our own experiences and emotions and the thoughts of others in a safe environment where anything is possible.

Dreams can also help you learn more about yourself, your personality traits, and your emotions that you may not be aware of when you are awake.

There are many different theories about the meaning of dreams and what they might represent.

For example, some people believe that dreams are the result of memories from everyday life or the release of unconscious thoughts.

Sigmund Freud, for example, believed that dreams were a way of resolving conflicts in the dreamer’s mind.

He believed that most dreams were wish-fulfilling and typically involved the gratification of needs, drives, or desires.

Others believe that dreams are forms of wish fulfillment.

The interpretation of dreams is an old and time-honoured tradition.

A well-known school of thought holds that shared dreams seem to be universally understood in similar ways by people from different backgrounds.

Such ordinary dreams are often interpreted as symbols or warnings to the dreamer.

Dreams that deal with danger and fear, for example, could be interpreted as a warning to avoid such things in everyday life.

The interpretation of dreams can vary depending on the person and circumstances.

For example, in a person’s dream, their best friend may be a colleague. In another person’s dream, their colleague can be their best friend.

What does it mean when you dream about your crush?

Dreams about a crush can be interpreted in different ways.

They may be wishful thinking or your subconscious is trying to tell you something about the person you are dreaming about.

One interpretation is that as children we are taught to admire love and affection from others.

When we dream about our crush, we may identify with them in some way.

Maybe they represent someone strong and confident, like a hero in a movie or book.

It has been said that the Freudian theory was debunked because it makes no sense for people to dream of their crushes to fulfill a need or desire.

But it’s not so much about the person themselves as it is about the unmet need behind the dream.

Dreaming about your crush could be a sign that you are feeling insecure.

When you dream about your crush, the interpretation can change from person to person.

For some, it could mean seeing them as a safe bet to rely on, or it could symbolize a longing for someone they’ve been separated from.

Enter the dream analysts

People trained in the art of dream interpretation are called “dream experts.”

Also known as “dream analysts,” they are able to interpret the meaning of dreams by analyzing the symbols in the dream.

Professional dream analysts are trained to interpret the meaning of dreams.

Dream experts have said that dreams are a way for the subconscious to process thoughts, feelings, and memories.

A dream is a visual representation of your thoughts and feelings, and the symbols in your dream are what your mind is trying to process to make sense of them.

Because of this, vivid dreams can be intense. Because of this, it is important to analyze what a dream means, as they often indicate something that the person needs.

Three of the most common dream terms

REM sleep: The most restful phase of sleep, characterized by rapid eye movement, which is why it’s often referred to as “REM” sleep. When someone is dreaming in REM sleep, their eyes move rapidly behind their eyelids. Vivid Dreams: Dreams to remember. They occur when people are in the REM sleep phase. Sleep Cycle: A full sleep cycle takes about 90 minutes.

Conclusion: what does it really mean to dream about someone?

Dreams are an unusual phenomenon, but they are also a great way to understand yourself. A dream is when the unconscious communicates with the conscious self.

It is important to remember that figuring out what your dreams mean is not always easy and it can take time to decipher their meaning and intent.

It could also be a sign of a need. For example, if you dream about an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend, you may have a need for companionship or emotional support.

It is generally accepted that dreaming about a person, place or thing can be a sign that the person, place or thing is important in your life.

Dreams can indicate problems that you are currently facing.

Most importantly, dreams are symbolic representations of events in our waking life.

To understand the meaning of a dream, it helps to look at the context of the dream and how it relates to your waking life.

This can help you uncover their “hidden meaning”.

In summary, dreams can mean many different things.

For example, the dreamer may be curious about the person in their dream.

It is important to understand the context of the dream before reading too much into it.

How to dream about someone

There is no right or wrong way to dream about someone.

Nonetheless, one of the best ways to dream about someone is to focus on them when you are awake, which will help you remember them in your dreams.

This could be as simple as keeping them in your head while you work.

Alternatively, it could involve something much more intentional, like writing a letter to them and imagining what they think they would say.

This type of “intentional dreaming” is a form of lucid dreaming.

Lucid dreaming is a skill that allows you to become aware that you are dreaming while in your dreams.

You can control what happens in your dreams and experience anything your imagination can think of.

In other words, it’s an experience where you can consciously manipulate your dreams.

If you want to have lucid dreams, then there are certain things you can do before you go to bed.

Follow the 15 steps below and hopefully your lucid dreaming adventures will begin soon.

15 easy steps to amazing lucid dreaming

Have a positive attitude about lucid dreaming and think ahead about what you want to do in your lucid dream. drink enough Sleep in a dark room. Take a nap during the day. Stay active throughout the day to keep your mind fresh. Try to recall your lucid dreams from the past day or two. Practice observing your surroundings during the day. Remember to do reality checks throughout the day: ask yourself, “Am I dreaming now?” That way, if it’s a dream, you can control it. Before you go to bed, try to remember as many details of your day as possible. Set your alarm for 5 hours before you want to wake up. Alternatively, set your alarm to go off every 30 minutes. When the alarm clock rings, open your eyes and visualize yourself in the dream world. Try to get as comfortable as possible. Watch your breathing. Try to stay conscious. Imagine a place you want to visit or something you want to do in the dream, like fly or talk to someone.

When you return, write down what you experienced!

Keeping a dream journal like this makes it easier to remember your dreams and can be helpful for spotting patterns that bring clarity.

For this purpose, keep pen and paper by your bedside and write down everything you dreamed about

With these skills you can have amazing adventures, solve problems and face any fears that bother you in real life.

Have fun dreaming!

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Images: via Pexels, Pixabay and Upsplash

Dreams can contain all sorts of weird and wonderful things. But sometimes they have a specific person in the lead role. As a one-off, it’s something you might just dismiss and smile at how your brain conjured up that persona.

But what if it’s a dream that you have more than once? Or even night after night?

We will get to the bottom of this fascinating phenomenon. And we will lay out eight meanings if you keep dreaming about the same person.

So read on if you’re ready to find out what might be behind your recurring dream!

Why do I always dream about the same person?

Recurring dreams are a fairly common phenomenon. Research from the University of Montreal found that about three-quarters of adults said they had experienced it.

Sometimes these dreams are pleasant, but more than three quarters are not. So why do we still have them?

Various theories have been put forward. Most are based on the idea that dreaming is an expression of the brain’s attempt to process emotions and experiences.

If we keep dreaming about the same thing (or person), it indicates that this attempt is not completely successful. The problematic or confusing feeling or experience remains unresolved.

At this point, our brain seems to be stuck in a loop. It keeps feeding us the same dream images, hoping it will work this time.

The causes of recurring dreams are therefore often events or emotional experiences that we find difficult to process. These can result from unresolved conflicts, unmet needs, or feelings of guilt.

Such emotionally and psychologically challenging events usually involve other people. And where they concern a specific person, that person may appear in the dream.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the different meanings behind recurring dreams about the same person.

what does it mean when you keep dreaming about someone

1. Dreams about a family member

Members of our immediate family are often people we meet every day. If that’s the case, then perhaps it’s not surprising that they appear frequently in our dreams. The experiences and emotions processed by our subconscious often involve them in some way.

But if you are dreaming about the same scenario involving a certain family member, it could have a deeper meaning. So what could it be?

dreams about your mother

Different family members have different associations and attachments. For many people, the bond with their mother is one of the most important things in their lives. This bond is especially important as a child, when it is often the mother who is the primary caregiver.

But the idyllic image of mother and child in perfect harmony does not always correspond to reality.

If you have a good relationship with your mother, your dream can simply mean that you need to reconnect. But if there is unresolved conflict or tension, your mind can work through this in your dreams.

And both interpretations can be correct, even if your mother is deceased. Your dream can be a way to deal with feelings of sadness and loss.

Dream about your son or daughter

A dream about a son or daughter often reflects your love for them and concern for their well-being. For parents of young children, it can also reflect normal daily interactions.

Parents of teenagers may also dream of their children earlier. This could mean that you see them as vulnerable and in need of protection. It could also be a happy reminder of more peaceful times!

Nightmares in which your child is in danger are relatively common. They reflect your natural concern to protect your child. However, if they do get angry, it may be time to consciously examine your fears. This can help you manage your anxiety and increase your own well-being.

But what if you dream of your son or daughter – and actually have no children? The character in your dream could represent your own inner child. It can also indicate a longing to reconnect with a childhood dream and a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your goals.

2. Dreams about a stranger

Recurring dreams about a stranger are a different matter altogether. In this case, there is no person to interact with and create emotions for your dreaming self to explore. So what is your dream trying to tell you?

Some people believe that the stranger represents a choice in your life. You are at a metaphorical crossroads and it is a sign to prepare for big changes.

Others suggest that the stranger signifies an aspect of your own personality. It may be a part of you that you don’t fully acknowledge. Your subconscious encourages you to recognize and explore it.

And still other interpretations see the stranger as an embodiment of the universe. They are there to give you a message, so listen carefully to what they say.

With this interpretation, it is also important to pay attention to the emotions you are feeling in your dream. You are part of the message. Positive feelings indicate good news in the future. Feelings of worry or sadness indicate that problems are ahead.

3. Dreaming about someone who is dead

If your dream is about someone close to you who has passed away, your dream may reflect your feelings of loss and sadness. You may not have come to terms with the fact that they are no longer in your waking life.

If her death was a recent event, you might think of her a lot. Your brain then conjures them into your dreams so you can see them again.

If the person who died was someone whose advice you valued, you may have dreams about them when you are worried or unsure. Your brain may wonder what they would have told you. And your dream could use your knowledge about them to find the answer.

Some people believe that in our dream state, the dead can communicate directly with us. But whether the message comes from a supernatural source or from your own creatively transformed memories, it’s a valuable thing.

It can sometimes be upsetting to dream of those we love and miss. But these dreams are also a way to feel their presence again. Try to take comfort from them and know that time will ease the pain of their loss.

4. Dreams about a friend from your childhood

Recurring dreams often contain a character from your past. If you have repeated dreams about a childhood friend, it can mean a longing to go back to a time without worries or responsibilities.

Of course, not every childhood is like that. If you associate your friend with past stresses, your dream can be a sign that you are facing similar stresses now.

Alternatively, there may be some unresolved emotion in your relationship with this person. Or it could be that there is someone in your life now who reminds you of your former boyfriend.

If the person in your dream was a good friend, you may miss their friendship. When you’re feeling isolated, your subconscious may remind you of what it felt like to have her support. It could be a message to make and achieve new relationships.

5. Dreaming about an ex

One of the regular stars of recurring dreams is a former partner. Whether your relationship was long-term or short-term, they eventually held an important place in your heart. But now that your relationship is over, why do they appear in your dreams again?

The answer to that may relate to the way you felt about that relationship and the way it ended. If the relationship was violent or abusive, you may be suffering from some form of PTSD. This doesn’t have to be just the result of physical violence. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging.

It might be a good idea to get counseling to work through the trauma. This type of experience can be difficult to overcome, and the support and guidance of a professional can be very valuable. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

If you felt happy in the relationship, the ending can bring feelings of sadness and loss. These feelings are completely natural. Your mind may be trying to help you deal with this by bringing that person back into your dream life.

Or it could be that your dream means that you have unresolved issues with this person. Maybe you felt like they treated you badly and you didn’t get a chance to tell them. Or maybe you feel guilty about your own behavior.

Give yourself the time you need to process these feelings. There are no rules as to how long this will last.

The important thing is to recognize if you are repeating the past without moving forward. Dealing with things you can’t change or telling yourself they shouldn’t have happened won’t help. Instead, take what you can learn from the experience, knowing that it will help you and your future relationships.

6. Dreaming about an authority figure

Your dream may involve someone in a position of authority, like a teacher or a boss. Depending on the context, it may reflect aspects of your relationship with that person. Or it’s just possible that this person is a proxy for aspects of yourself.

Your smart brain can use this number to give you advice. This advice is of course based on your own knowledge and experience. But by coming from someone you see as an authority, it hopes you’ll be more likely to listen!

Your dream could also refer to the part of your life where you interact with this dream character. If you dream about a boss, it could represent your career. A teacher can represent a school or a training course. And a doctor can refer to your physical or mental health.

7. Dreaming about someone you are attracted to

If you dream about someone you are attracted to, your dream could simply reflect your desire. You want to be with this person and your subconscious willingly allows them to appear in your dream world.

Unfortunately, dreaming about someone is not a sign that they are thinking about you. It’s – perhaps unsurprisingly – a sign that you’re thinking about her.

And if the dream keeps happening, maybe it is telling you that it is time to share your feelings. Yes, we know it can be downright terrifying. And the fear of rejection can be overwhelming.

But it’s better to tell the object of your affection how you feel than to wonder what could have been.

8. Dreams about a work colleague

Like dreams with your boss, those with a work colleague can be a connection to your work life. You might highlight an aspect of your job or career that bothers you. Or if you are feeling happy and optimistic in your dream, they could indicate a new opportunity.

Of course, work colleagues play an important role in our everyday lives. So, if this dream is not accompanied by strong emotions, it may simply reflect your everyday experience. And if that’s the case, you don’t have to think too long about deeper meanings.

Man is the key

That brings us to the end of our roundup of eight meanings when you keep dreaming about the same person. We hope it helped give you some insights into what might be behind your dream.

A good place to start is to think about what the person you dream about means to you. Do you have strong emotional ties with them? Or do they represent something to you – like a boss representing your career, or a cop representing rules and authority?

These personal associations will be the only more important route to an accurate interpretation of your dream. Also, pay attention to how you feel in your dream. This can also be a good guide for any underlying message.

Find the right interpretation and your brain will breathe a sigh of relief. You finally listened to what it wanted to tell you! And you may find that this is the end of your recurring dream.

Overview Lucid dreaming occurs when you are aware that you are dreaming. You are able to recognize your thoughts and emotions as the dream is happening. Sometimes you can control the lucid dream. You may be able to change the people, the setting, or the plot. These types of control dreams could potentially reduce nightmares and anxiety. Read on to learn more about lucid dreaming – what it is, when it occurs, and what you can do to experience it.

When Lucid Dreaming Occurs When you sleep, your brain cycles through rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep includes three separate phases. During non-REM, your brain waves, heartbeat, and eye movements gradually slow down. In REM sleep, your brain is extremely active. Your heart rate and eye movements also increase. Lucid dreaming, like most dreams, usually occurs during REM sleep. In a lucid dream, you know you are dreaming. You are aware of your awareness during the dream state. About 55 percent of people have experienced one or more lucid dreams in their lifetime. However, frequent lucid dreaming is rare. Only 23 percent of people have lucid dreams at least once a month.

How to Experience Lucid Dreaming To explore lucid dreaming, try the following tips: Get more REM sleep Because lucid dreaming usually occurs during REM sleep, giving yourself more time increases your chances of lucid dreaming spend in this phase. You can prolong REM sleep by getting enough sleep overall. If you have healthy sleeping habits, your body can properly cycle through all four stages of sleep. To practice good sleep hygiene: Follow a sleep schedule.

Train daily.

Avoid electronics before bed.

Create a relaxing sleeping environment.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Even if you’re not lucid dreaming, these habits will help you get restful sleep. Browse our sleep shop and discover the best products to achieve a deeper sleep. Keep a dream journal. Many people use a dream journal or dream journal to aid in lucid dreaming. Writing down your dreams forces you to remember them. This is believed to help your brain become more aware of dreaming. To keep a dream journal, keep a notebook and pen by your bedside. Write down your dream as soon as you wake up. Read your journal regularly to familiarize your brain with your dreams. Practice Reality Tests Your level of awareness is similar when you are awake and dreaming. So by increasing your awareness during your waking state, you can increase your awareness during your dream state. Reality testing is a popular way to do this. It trains your mind to recognize your own consciousness while you are awake. The method is to do reality checks throughout the day. As testing reality becomes a habit, you can create awareness while dreaming. Popular reality checks are: Finger through palm. Press your fingers against your opposite palm. When they go through you dream.

Press your fingers against your opposite palm. When they go through you dream. Mirror. In a dream state, your reflection will not look normal.

In a dream state, your reflection will not look normal. pinch nose pinch your nose You will be able to breathe when you are in a dream.

pinch your nose You will be able to breathe when you are in a dream. Reading. Look away from the text and then back again. When you dream, the text changes.

Look away from the text and then back again. When you dream, the text changes. tattoos. If you have tattoos, look at them. They look different in dreams. Pick a reality check and do it several times a day. You may need to experiment with different reality checks to determine which one works best for you. Try Induction Techniques While lucid dreaming often happens randomly, it is possible to initiate lucid dreaming through induction techniques. These methods include: Wake back to bed (WBTB). Wake up five hours after bedtime. When you go back to sleep, you’re more likely to enter REM sleep while you’re still conscious.

Wake up five hours after bedtime. When you go back to sleep, you’re more likely to enter REM sleep while you’re still conscious. Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD). Tell yourself that you will have a lucid dream tonight. You can do it before bed or during WBTB when you are awake.

Tell yourself that you will have a lucid dream tonight. You can do it before bed or during WBTB when you are awake. Waking Initiated Lucid Dream (WILD). In WILD, you enter REM sleep from wakefulness while maintaining awareness. It’s about lying down until you have a hypnagogic hallucination. To increase your chances of lucid dreaming, use these reality testing and dream journaling techniques.

The Benefits of Lucid Dreaming Lucid dreaming has several potential benefits: Fewer Nightmares While occasional nightmares are normal, recurring nightmares can be distressing. They can interfere with consistently good sleep. Common nightmares usually affect people with: Stress

fear

depression

sleep deprivation

sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

medication

Substance Abuse Lucid dreaming could provide relief by reducing recurring nightmares. During a lucid dream, you can realize that the nightmare is not real. It also lets you control the dream, allowing you to transform a nightmare into a more neutral or pleasant scenario. Alleviating Anxiety By reducing nightmares, lucid dreaming can alleviate anxiety associated with nightmares. It is also used to relieve anxiety due to PTSD. There is also anecdotal evidence that lucid dreaming helps with general anxiety, but more scientific research is needed. Some people say it allows them to get past the source of their fear. Improving Motor Skills Visualizing physical movements can increase the actual ability to perform them. This can happen during a lucid dream, which allows the dreamer to mentally train their motor skills. Performing motor skills while dreaming activates your brain’s sensorimotor cortex. This is the part of the brain that controls movement. In this regard, lucid dreaming could help in the physical rehabilitation of people with physical disabilities. It may also benefit people without physical disabilities by improving athletic performance and other motor skills. Increase Creativity Lucid dreaming could potentially increase your creativity. Typically, people who are more creative are more prone to lucid dreaming. This could be due to their increased ability to remember dreams and visualize events. However, according to anecdotal reports, it also works the other way around. People claim that lucid dreaming increases their creativity and imagination. Although not scientifically proven, many people use lucid dreaming to sharpen their creativity.

Interpreting Lucid Dreams It is possible to interpret a lucid dream just like a normal dream. Dream Interpretation can help you understand the relevance of your dreams. In fact, people say that dream interpretation is easier during a lucid dream. Your awareness increases your ability to observe the dream as it happens. Lucid dreams are also more vivid, which helps you remember the events and details. Keep a dream journal to interpret your lucid dreams. Writing down your dreams will help you discover important themes. It is also recommended to keep a regular journal. By charting your dreams and daily life, you are more likely to find connections.

The Risks of Lucid Dreaming Lucid dreaming is generally considered safe, but there are some risks for people with mental disorders. These include: Insomnia. Because lucid dreaming techniques intentionally disrupt sleep, it can be difficult to get adequate sleep. The risk is higher if you have a sleep disorder.

Because lucid dreaming techniques intentionally disrupt sleep, it can be difficult to get adequate sleep. The risk is higher if you have a sleep disorder. depression and anxiety. Sleep problems can increase depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Sleep problems can increase depressive symptoms and anxiety. derealization. Induction of lucid dreaming combines reality and dreaming, making it difficult to determine what is real.

Induction of lucid dreaming combines reality and dreaming, making it difficult to determine what is real. Dissociation. The intersection of reality and dreams can also lead to disconnection from your surroundings or your self.

Source: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

Can two or more people share the same dream? As far as I know, there is no scientific research on this question. But there are literally thousands of well-documented accounts out there.

The best-documented cases involve therapist-client shared dreams. In these there is a professionally trained therapist who confirms the claim that the dream happened to both the therapist and the client at about the same time. The next best documented cases involve people in close relationships such as parents/children, spouses or lovers. Consistent with the effect of emotional closeness on shared dreams, we also have many well-documented cases of twins sharing the same dream. The least well-documented cases involve complete strangers sharing the same dream. (We only have anecdotal accounts of strangers experiencing the same dream, because the strangers happened to run into each other and recognized each other from the dream!)

I wrote about twin dreams in this blog and quoted sources related to twins in this post. For sources on shared dreams between therapists and clients, see Anthony Shafton’s 1995 book Dream Reader. For sources on complete strangers sharing dreams, see Frank Seafield’s Dream Curiosities. You can also find forums about shared dreams all over the internet. We must conclude that people everywhere occasionally experience the same dream as another individual.

What are we to make of this fact? First of all, we only have anecdotal reports. People believe they experienced the same dream, but we must remain skeptical until controlled scientific investigations are conducted. In addition, the two parties involved never agree on all the details of the common dream. Despite this, I have learned to respect anecdotal reports in the dream research world because these reports are usually reliable. There is no incentive for people to lie about the experience.

There are some similarities between the reports that give confidence in their reliability. For example, most of the time the two people involved know each other and are emotionally close. Obviously, one is more likely to hear about unusual experiences involving two people when they see each other regularly. Additionally, two people usually discover they have shared a dream, with one person beginning to share the dream, unaware that the other person had the same one, until the other person steps in and ends it.

People often report that nothing unusual happened before the shared dream. They report that they did not discuss dreams with the other person prior to the event, so there is no evidence of bias or priming effects. The fact that the two parties involved often disagree on every detail in the dream even increases my confidence that the reports are honest. It seems inevitable that individual differences, ranging from mood to IQ to memory differences, prevent people from remembering every detail of a dream – so accounts of a shared dream should vary accordingly. The slight discrepancies in details in reports about shared dreams therefore make sense. Interestingly, the timing of the event can also vary. Sometimes the shared dream occurs for both people at the same time. In other cases this is not the case. It is noteworthy that so much of the shared dream, sometimes including minor details, is recalled by the two people involved as strikingly similar or even identical, regardless of the timing of their experiences.

So, for now, let’s assume the fact of shared dreams: two people can have the same dream. What does this mean for dream science? If we assume that brains produce dreams, we must assume that the two brains involved were in the appropriate brain states to produce identical content in two people. This may mean that the two people must have been in identical brain states and that these identical states produced the same cognitive content.

But this option seems almost impossible to me given the enormous plasticity and variability of brain physiology between individuals. Even twins’ brains are very different. So attributing shared dreams to coincidentally identical brain states seems like a stretch. However, other alternative explanations are equally unattractive: For example, two people having the same dream seem to indicate that dreams are not just products of the sleeping brain. Instead, they arise outside of us and then “pass” through us. They are in a way independent of the minds that record and express them. Dreams may be products of interpersonal culture and float in cultural morphospace waiting to settle on an individual consciousness.

But if that were the case, then why do the cultural memes manifest as shared dreams rather than identical cognitive content in waking life? Perhaps shared dreams are like abstract platonic forms that are larger than individual brains, allowing them to manifest in multiple brains attuned to the form.

None of these possibilities strike me as appealing or plausible.

In short, we don’t have good explanations for shared dreams. Perhaps that is why science has not yet studied these events. Science has no place to classify them in their current world view – but that is all the more reason to examine them. Paradigm-challenging phenomena are the most important data for science because they force revolutionary changes.

The neuroscience of sleep and dreams teaches us that there are three basic brain states: waking, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep.

We have our most vivid dreams in REM, while physiologically restful sleep occurs in conjunction with NREM slow waves. What determines or creates and maintains each of these three states is a different mix or profile of brainstem-generated neurotransmitters (aminergic and cholinergic modulation) activity levels, and different patterns of forebrain activation and deactivation. The three different brain activity profiles that lead to the three different brain states must be viewed as probabilistic profiles.

Each brain state’s profile can be fully or partially activated. The transitions between the brain states can also only be partial. Because the mechanisms that control brain states are probabilistic, transitions between states are almost always partial and incomplete. When the transitions between states are partial, we get a hybrid brain state—for example, a mix of REM and waking, a mix of NREM and waking, or REM with NREM. When these hybrid states occur, we tend to have eerie, weird, and bizarre experiences.

For example, sleep paralysis is a mix of REM and wakefulness.

The patient is conscious and awake, but is paralyzed and unable to move because the muscle atony associated with REM persists into wakefulness. In addition, the patient hallucinates an intruder, possibly because many REM dreams are about potential threats, etc. But what about the closely related false awakening experience?

When we mistakenly believe we’re awake (but are actually still dreaming), the brain is probably moving towards waking and for some reason believing it’s arrived. If some level of activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is the standard physiological cue the brain uses to believe it is awake, then it seems reasonable to argue that this cue can sometimes be misused. But the dream-within-a-dream phenomenon isn’t just being fooled into being awake because you’re still fully dreaming. The dream within a dream requires an explanation other than its mere paraphrasing as a partial awakening.

Perhaps the dream within the dream is more like lucid dreaming, resulting from a mix of REM and waking states because the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is partially activated. When the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is activated during the REM phase, the individual gains some self-awareness and becomes so conscious that they are dreaming. A false awakening would involve skipping self-awareness as a dream step that occurs in lucid dreaming and is associated with moving into the waking state. Instead, the awakening process would be interrupted and the individual awaiting awakening would continue dreaming. But why dream of normal morning rituals and waking activities? We do not know the answer to this question.

Share on Pinterest Your alarm clock is ringing. They sit up, rub their eyes, get up and stagger towards the kitchen to make coffee and feed the howling cat. Ten minutes later the cat is purring and you are enjoying your first sip of coffee when the alarm clock rings again. As you lie in bed, you wonder if you’re really awake this time, maybe even pinching yourself before making a move to get up. A false awakening refers to the strange experience of “waking up” when you are actually asleep. It can contain vivid, realistic images that leave you anxious and confused. Some people also experience convoluted dreams or more than one false awakening on the same occasion.

Is it the same as sleep paralysis? Sleep paralysis, which usually occurs when you fall asleep or wake up, isn’t quite the same as false awakenings. However, research suggests that many people who experience one often experience the other. With sleep paralysis, you temporarily lose the ability to speak or move your muscles. You may also find it difficult to breathe. Some people also hallucinate with an episode of sleep paralysis. It could appear as if someone else is in your room with you or is holding you on your bed. The main difference between sleep paralysis and false awakenings is that sleep paralysis occurs when you are awake and not dreaming. Sleep paralysis typically occurs when you transition from REM (rapid eye movement) sleep to wakefulness. Your brain wakes up, but your muscles remain temporarily paralyzed, just like during REM sleep.

Do they mean something bad is about to happen? No, but you might feel like something bad is coming depending on the type of false awakening you are experiencing. According to researcher Celia Green, PhD, in her book Lucid Dreaming: The Paradox of Consciousness While Sleep, there are two main types of false awakenings: Type 1. Type 1 false awakenings proceed in a fairly simple manner. After “waking up,” you do the same things you would normally do. This type will often not feel scary, although you may feel disoriented or a little distressed when you actually wake up.

Type 1 false awakenings are fairly straightforward. After “waking up,” you do the same things you would normally do. This type will often not feel scary, although you may feel disoriented or a little distressed when you actually wake up. Type 2. With this type, you may wake up feeling foreboding or convinced that something strange or bad is about to happen. This type of false awakening could be similar to sleep paralysis, especially if you dream that you wake up and are unable to move or escape from a malicious presence in your room. However, when you wake up, you can move normally. While Type 2 false awakenings can feel unnerving, there’s no evidence that it actually means anything bad is going to happen.

How is it related to lucid dreaming? Similar to lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis, false awakening is thought to be one of the hybrid or overlapping states between sleep and wakefulness. Many people who experience false awakenings also have lucid dreams. In a lucid dream, you realize that you are dreaming. This knowledge allows you to maintain some control over your surroundings and even change the course of the dream. There is also some evidence that lucid dreams often end in false awakenings. You might even “wake up” and start describing your dream to someone else before you actually wake up. A false awakening can turn into a lucid dream, especially when you start noticing certain details that differ slightly from reality. For example, your furniture may not be in the right place, your lamp won’t turn on, or you open a book and find you can’t read any of the words. Suspecting that you are not actually awake could lead you to try to manipulate the dream in some way or to tell yourself to wake up.

What causes it to happen? To date, there isn’t much research on false awakenings, and experts are yet to determine exactly what causes them. As with sleep paralysis, they may be related to disrupted REM sleep. Some suggested explanations for false awakenings include: sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea

Anticipation or the knowledge that you have to get up early for a reason

Noise and other disturbances that interrupt your sleep without waking you up fully Stress and anxiety in your daily life can also affect your sleep and may show up in your dreams. If you are worried about something that will happen shortly after waking up, you may have dreams about waking up and preparing for the stressful event. These stressful events may include: A difficult test

Dentist appointment

Job Interview Protoconsciousness Theory Research from 2011 offers another possible explanation for false awakenings. According to the dream protoconsciousness theory, during REM sleep your brain prepares for consciousness by using its internal representation of your everyday world. This model serves as a starting point for your dreams, the theory goes. But most dreams contain many other elements that make them seem much less realistic. False awakenings can occur when over-arousal or heightened alertness during REM sleep prevents you from experiencing more typical dreams, such as those involving flies, traps, and other surreal events. Instead, the dreams may draw on more specific memories of familiar surroundings and your typical daily routine.

Should I be concerned? As strange as it may feel, false awakenings are generally not a cause for medical concern. There is no evidence that they occur as a symptom of any physical or mental health condition. However, it’s worth investigating any unusual event that disturbs your sleep on a regular basis. False awakenings can occur along with other symptoms that have a more serious cause. Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist if you also notice any of the following symptoms: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Tired or exhausted after several hours in bed

daytime fatigue

Common Nightmares Getting better sleep every night can help reduce the number of false awakenings. Here are some general tips for better sleep: Turn off your phone and other electronic devices at least 1 hour before bed.

Calculate how much sleep you need with our sleep calculator.

Before bed, take some time to unwind. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can also contribute to disturbing dreams and affect the quality of your sleep. It’s a good idea to see a therapist for any mental health symptoms that don’t improve after a week or two, especially if mood swings are present along with physical health symptoms such as: B. Changes in your sleeping habits.

Many of us have turned off the alarm clock, made a cup of coffee, made the bed and brushed our teeth – only to wake up and realize it was all just a dream. These experiences are called false awakenings and are one of several strange phenomena that can occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

We discuss why false awakenings occur, how they’re related to lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis, and when to see a doctor.

What is false awakening?

In a false awakening, the sleeper thinks they are awake when in fact they are still asleep. False awakenings usually occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the sleep phase most closely associated with dreaming. There is relatively little research on false awakenings, although many people can relate to the experience.

Common dreamed activities during false awakenings are:

Wake up and prepare for the day

Waking up in the middle of the night and going to the bathroom or kitchen and then going back to bed

Explore or wander around the dream environment

Think of a dream you had just before the false awakening, believing that you are now awake

Unlike normal dreams, which are often fantastic, false awakenings are typically realistic. You may think that you woke up in your own bedroom or that you are in another familiar place like your school or work. The environment can be identical to real life or small details can be different, such as: B. weird shadows, lights that won’t turn on, or doors that don’t lead where they’re supposed to. It is often only later that you realize that you have dreamed.

Most commonly, images in false awakenings feel similar to those in waking life, especially when false awakenings are experienced just before waking up in the morning. However, as with normal dreams, some false awakening dreams can be extraordinarily vivid. Others can be vague and dimly lit, particularly those that occur in the middle of the night. Overall, people tend to recall false awakening dreams more easily than normal dreams.

Researchers have pointed out that although the dreamer mistakenly believes they are awake after a false awakening, they retain some awareness. Unlike in a normal dream, the sleeper who dreams of a false awakening is aware that both dreams and reality exist. They can also have the nagging feeling that something is out of place without being fully aware that they are dreaming.

Is False Awakening Harmful?

Although false awakenings have been described as vivid and spooky, experts don’t believe it’s harmful. But like other events that occur on the threshold between waking and sleeping, false awakenings can sometimes produce anxiety, discomfort, or anxiety.

During a false awakening, you may have an out-of-body experience or sense a presence in the room, which may be accompanied by a feeling of anxiety. Previous sleep researchers classified these ominous experiences as Type 2 false awakenings, as opposed to the more neutral Type 1 false awakenings.

False awakenings can also occur multiple times in a row, which can be distressing if the sleeper feels unable to wake up. Similarly, false awakenings can lead to false memories, where the person remembers doing something but later finds evidence that it was all just a dream.

How does false awakening relate to other REM sleep phenomena?

A recent survey in Russia found that people who experience false awakenings are more likely to experience other REM-related sleep phenomena as well. In addition to false awakenings, REM phenomena also include sleep paralysis, out-of-body experiences, and lucid dreaming. Experiencing REM phenomena may also be linked to the ability to remember dreams.

False awakenings, sleep paralysis, and lucid dreaming all arise from an intermediate state between REM sleep and wakefulness. It is difficult to specifically induce these states in order to study them in a sleep laboratory. However, new research suggests that false awakenings consist of a mix of brain activity normally seen during sleep and wakefulness, with a greater proportion of brainwaves characteristic of dreaming.

False awakening and sleep paralysis

A person with sleep paralysis is mentally alert but unable to move most of their muscles, reflecting the muscle paralysis that occurs naturally during REM sleep. Sleep paralysis can occur while falling asleep or waking up. Researchers have found that about 75% of people with sleep paralysis experience hallucinations. For example, the sleeper may feel that an intruder is entering the room. An out-of-body sensation can also accompany sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis and false awakenings are similar conditions that fall between sleep and wakefulness, during which a person appears to be asleep. However, a person with sleep paralysis is mentally awake, while a person experiencing false awakenings mistakenly believes they have just woken up while still dreaming.

Sleep paralysis is more likely to occur in people with poor sleep quality, symptoms of insomnia, or significant stress. Researchers have suggested that one way to reduce sleep paralysis might be to teach people how to take control of their dreams, as is sometimes done with lucid dreaming.

False awakening and lucid dreaming

During a lucid dream, the sleeper continues to sleep but becomes aware that they are in a dream. People with frequent lucid dreaming also tend to experience a higher rate of false awakenings than usual. Sometimes the two phenomena occur together. A lucid dream can be terminated by a false awakening, and a false awakening can precede a lucid dream.

Examples of common false awakening scenarios reported by lucid dreamers include morning routines and exploring or wandering around the dream scenario. For example, you might think you’re getting up and going about your normal morning routine, including eating breakfast and making the bed. Noticing strange details in your surroundings can lead you to realize that you are actually still dreaming. If you don’t wake up from this realization, the false awakening becomes a lucid dream.

Some researchers believe that lucid dreams and false awakenings often occur together and must represent a similar state of mind. People who use tactics to verify events are real or dreamed, such as B. trying to read a text or look in the mirror are more likely to fall into a lucid dream after a false awakening. These tests, known as “reality checks,” have also been suggested as a way to manage sleep paralysis by exercising control over the dream scenario.

Why do I have dreams about waking up?

Researchers hypothesize that people experience false awakenings or dream that they are awakened during REM sleep due to hyperarousal or sleep disturbances. Hyperarousal is a concept often associated with insomnia. The term describes a state in which sleep, particularly REM sleep, tends to be fragmented and of poor quality.

Although more research is needed, sleep scientists have suggested that REM sleep can be viewed as a phase of awareness training. Usually, what can happen in dreams during REM sleep is virtually limitless, and the connections to reality are harder to discern. When REM sleep is disrupted, the sleeper’s waking memories surface, bringing dreams closer to reality.

In people with insomnia, hyperarousal dreams can revolve around real concerns about sleep and reflect changes in the way the brain accesses memory storage during REM sleep. Similarly, experts have suggested that false awakenings represent a state in which the sleeper has more access to waking memories than normal.

Researchers have found that false awakenings are common when the sleeper is anticipating something stressful, such as a sleepover. B. a sleep disorder. In this case, the sleeper may be more likely to experience false awakenings as they are unable to fully relax into sleep.

For example, a recent study found that people who attend a sleep lab often experience metadreams, such as false awakenings or lucid dreams, that contain elements of the sleep lab. The study authors pointed out that people typically experience restless sleep on the first night in a sleep lab due to discomfort, anxiety, or a noisy environment, which can contribute to hyperarousal in REM sleep.

False awakenings can also be triggered by a nightmare or sleep paralysis. More rarely, people have reported false awakenings from seemingly dreamless sleep.

False awakenings are often associated with the process of waking up in the morning. However, lucid dreamers, who are more likely to have fragmented sleep, also have a high rate of false awakenings in the middle of the night.

When to talk to your doctor

False awakening is not considered dangerous, but some people find it distressing. If false awakenings or other REM sleep phenomena are interfering with the quality of your sleep or your daily life, talk to your doctor for advice on how to get better sleep. They may be able to treat any underlying sleep disorders that are causing fragmented sleep or teach you techniques to help you gain more control over your dreams.

Addressing sources of stress and practicing healthy sleep hygiene can also improve sleep quality, which can reduce false awakenings. Sleep hygiene tips include:

Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening

Maintaining a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment

Make time for a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine

Designation of the bedroom as a screen-free zone

Have you ever woken up only to find you’re still dreaming? This is a common sleep event known as false awakenings. While false awakenings often occur for no reason, there are certain conditions that can cause them, including sleep disorders that disrupt REM sleep.

This article looks at the science of false awakenings, including the types, causes, and symptoms of this common dream state.

Paul Mansfield Photography / Getty Images

types

Sleep scientists divide false awakenings into two types:

Type 1 False Awakening is a dream state in which nothing special happens. The person may have dreams of doing everyday things like getting up, taking a shower, and getting dressed. At some point, the dreamer may realize that something is wrong and wake up.

is a dream state in which nothing special happens. The person may have dreams of doing everyday things like getting up, taking a shower, and getting dressed. At some point, the dreamer may realize that something is wrong and wake up. Type 2 False Awakening is a nightmare state that involves tense, anxious, or frightening images or feelings. The dreamer may or may not be roused by a fright.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 involve vivid dreams in which the feelings, images, and events are so intense and lifelike that you feel they are real and remember them the next morning.

symptoms

Simply put, a false awakening is when you think you are awake while you are dreaming. They are very common and almost everyone will have them at some point in their life. Aside from that, the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Characteristics of a false awakening can include:

Lucid Dreaming: When a dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming

: When a dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming Pre-lucid Dreaming : When a dreamer begins to wonder if they are dreaming (even if they are not fully lucid)

: When a dreamer begins to wonder if they are dreaming (even when not fully lucid) Directed Dreaming : When a person in a lucid dream takes control of what is happening in the dream

: When a person in a lucid dream takes control of what is happening in the dream Looping : When a person keeps “waking up” in a dream.

: When a person keeps “waking up” in a dream Non-Realism : When things don’t make sense in a dream (eg.

: When things in a dream don’t make sense (like rooms of impossible proportions) or the dreamer cannot do things (like talk or scream) Dissociation : An out-of-body experience in which the dreamer perceives the dream as an outside observer

: An out-of-body experience in which the dreamer perceives the dream as an outside observer. Sleep paralysis: The temporary inability to move or speak after waking up

Summary Although false awakenings are very common, symptoms can vary from person to person. The dream can be banal or frightening, realistic or unrealistic, lucid or not lucid,

causes

Vivid dreams are more likely to occur during REM sleep, the stage of deep sleep that involves rapid eye movements. Some experts believe false awakenings occur when REM sleep is disrupted. This is a form of sleep fragmentation, also known as split sleep.

It is believed that when REM sleep is disrupted, the person is partially conscious even while remaining in a dream state.

Causes of sleep fragmentation include:

Insomnia: A common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep

: A common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep Sleep apnea : A disorder characterized by frequent and/or prolonged pauses in breathing during sleep

: A disorder characterized by frequent and/or prolonged pauses in breathing during sleep

: The repeated twitching, spasms, or jerking of the legs during sleep Narcolepsy : A disorder in which a person falls asleep suddenly at inappropriate times

: A disorder in which a person suddenly falls asleep at inappropriate times. Environment: Includes sleep disruptions caused by noise or bright light

All conditions can affect sleep quality and, in turn, lead to subtle disruptions in REM sleep.

False awakenings are believed to be caused by disruptions in REM sleep. Causes of fragmented sleep include insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and a noisy environment.

Coping

Since false awakenings are not associated with any mental or physical illness, they are usually not a cause for concern. But when a dream recurs and is very upsetting, it can lead to anxiety, depression, somniphobia (fear of falling asleep), and sleep deprivation.

In this case, ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist known as a somnologist. The specialist may recommend a treatment known as dream rehearsal therapy, where you create and practice non-scary endings for recurring nightmares. Some studies have shown that the practice is very useful in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The high blood pressure drug Minipress (prazosin) is also sometimes used to reduce nightmares in people with PTSD.

summary

A false awakening is a common dream event where you think you’re awake when you’re still dreaming. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some dreams can be realistic, mundane, and uncomplicated, while others can be bizarre, scary, and repetitive.

Although false awakenings often occur for no reason, some experts believe they are the result of subtle disruptions in REM sleep.

A word from Verywell

If you have disturbing or disruptive dreams, talk to your doctor or a certified sleep specialist about treatments that may help. This usually starts with diagnosing the underlying cause using a sleep study or other techniques.

It’s important to see a doctor if a sleep disorder is causing chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of memory or concentration, or changes in your mental state.