Nightmares

Pandemic dreams create a “shared mindscape”

You're not the only one who's been having weird dreams lately.

Shutterstock

Have you been having weird dreams this year?

Shutterstock

Dreams about being in a crowd, getting an unwanted hug, or suddenly being unable to breathe?

You’re not alone.

Shutterstock

Nightmares and stress dreams have been plaguing some of us since March, when the spreading Covid-19 disease was officially declared a pandemic.

Shutterstock

Now, scientists are looking into this global phenomenon as a “shared mindscape” affecting the entire world.

Shutterstock

Researchers in Finland analyzed dreams of 4,275 people during Finland’s initial 6-week lockdown period, which began in March.

Shutterstock

They found a commonality between dream descriptions: words like “coronavirus,” “death,” “work,” and “crowd.”

Shutterstock

Those who reported feeling more stressed due to the virus also reported more nightmares than those who reported not feeling stressed. In a vicious cycle, nightmares can lead to even more stress.

Shutterstock

The good news is, nightmares can sometimes help us process real-world trauma.

Shutterstock

If we’re able to talk about our nightmares and put them in context, our fears may be easier to live with.

Shutterstock

And because the pandemic isn’t going to be over any time soon, stressed-out dreamers will start becoming less and less affected by pandemic nightmares.

Shutterstock

Read more mental health stories here.

Thanks for reading,
head home for more!