Dreams can transport us anywhere—from soaring above treetops to reliving the grind of office life—but what do they truly reveal? A recent survey by Talker Research for Newsweek asked 1,000 U.S. adults about their most common dreams, uncovering nine recurring themes.
"Dream content is always intriguing," Dr. Shelby Harris, director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis, told Newsweek. "I tend to approach the topic with a healthy dose of skepticism about specific 'meanings.' Dreams are less about symbolic messages and more about how the brain processes emotions, stress, and daily experiences."
While pinning down exact meanings might be tricky, Dr. Harris offered insights into why these recurring dreams continue to surface—and what they might reveal about our waking lives.
1. Work
For many, the daily grind extends into sleep. Work-related dreams—whether about stressful deadlines, impossible tasks, or returning to the office after retirement—topped the list.
"I dream I'm still working, even though I retired eight years ago," shared one respondent, while another recounted struggling with "complicated tasks with nonsensical rules and directions."
Why does this happen?
"Work dreams often reflect unresolved tension or concerns about productivity," Harris told Newsweek. "They're a clear sign that stressors are bleeding into sleep."
2. Deceased loved ones
Dreams of deceased loved ones were the second most common dreams. "My mom, who passed away, comes to visit in my dreams," one person shared. Another said, "I dream about my dad disapproving of me—it feels so real."
Why does this happen?
"These dreams help process grief and maintain emotional bonds," Harris said. "They often feel vivid, especially if the person has been on your mind."
3. Riches and success
From winning the lottery to finding unexpected wealth, financial success is a common dream theme.
"I dream about being rich," said one participant, while others imagined windfalls from contests or hidden treasures.
Why does this happen?
"Dreams of wealth often reflect real-life hopes or anxieties about money," Harris said. "They can signal aspirations or fears tied to financial stability."
4. Family and relationships
Whether joyful or stressful, family and relationships are central in dreams.
"I often dream about spending quality time with my love," shared one respondent, while others reported recurring dreams about family conflicts.
Why does this happen?
"Relationships are integral to our lives, so it's no surprise they show up in dreams," Harris noted. "They can mirror love, conflict, or longing."
5. Travel and vacation
For some, dreams offer a mental escape, taking them to distant lands or reliving past vacations. "I dream about traveling to Europe," said one participant, while others shared fantasies of freedom and exploration.
Why does this happen?
"Travel dreams often represent a desire for adventure or relaxation," Harris said. "They're a way for the mind to explore freedom, especially during stressful periods."
6. Flying and running
Whether soaring above the ground or tearing through surreal landscapes, flying and running were common themes as well.
"I dream about running, but it feels like I'm floating," one person noted. Another described the freedom of "flying above the ground."
Why does this happen?
"Flying can symbolize freedom or achievement, while running often reflects stress, especially if you're fleeing something," Harris explained. "Both are linked to heightened emotions in daily life."
7. Nightmares and stress dreams
Nightmares of falling, being chased, or facing danger are common. One respondent described "falling off a cliff," while others recounted being trapped in confined spaces.
Why does this happen?
"These dreams are the brain's way of processing overwhelming emotions in a safe environment," Harris said. "For persistent nightmares, especially related to trauma or PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], consulting a sleep specialist can help."
8. Death and dying
Dreams about death—often unsettling—ranked high on the list.
Why does this happen?
"Death dreams typically symbolize change or transitions rather than literal fears," Harris noted. "They reflect anxieties or upcoming life shifts."
9. Daily life and routines
Lastly, the mundane takes center stage in many dreams. Respondents reported dreams of "doing chores," "going to school," or "shopping."
Why does this happen?
"Dreams of routine activities occur when the brain replays or rehearses daily tasks," Harris said. "They're especially common during lighter sleep stages."
Whatever your common dreams, Harris said that if dreams are affecting your sleep, it is always a good idea to seek advice.
"If your dreams are impacting your ability to get good quality sleep or you're dreading sleep because of negative dreams, then talk with a sleep specialist for sure," she said. "Dream analysis typically isn't anything we do in sleep medicine; we really just work to help people get rid of extremely vivid dreams or chronic nightmares that impact their quality and quantity of sleep."
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