Lockdown life is giving us a more vivid and memorable dream life, a new psychoanalytic survey from the UK has found.
Despite living largely in isolation – and with limited means of entertainment – the online survey showed people are reporting richer dream experiences since the pandemic began – with more people able to easier remember their dreams.
Google search trends agree – with phrases like ‘COVID-19 dreams’ and ‘coronavirus dreams’ surging in recent months.
The researchers don’t know exactly why this is happening – but suggest it could be the impact of routine changes – like social distancing and working from home – on our unconscious mind.
With fewer activities to keep us busy, we may be thinking more about how we are feeling, they say.
“Our minds are obviously reaching out to try and make something from the little stimuli we’re receiving being locked down, and bringing up things we’ve completely forgotten about,” a spokesperson for the survey told The Guardian.
This extra reflection makes it easier for people to recall more details from their night-time wanderings.
“People are remembering very specific aspects of the dreams, like smells, emotions or places. And they are able to describe buildings and scenery, which is something we are not usually able to do,” they said.
It’s also possible that the uncertainty of life during the pandemic is playing tricks on our subconscious – many people reported anxiety dreams such as having blocked trains or toilets or visiting supermarkets (always a scary experience during quarantine!)
Other people have reported dreams about running away (normal during lockdown) or being spies on secret missions (clearly, we all think we’re James Bond).
But if your dreams are stressing you out, the researchers have good news – they say humans have an amazing ability to adapt to new situations so the phenomenon won’t last.
Definitely explains why I keep dreaming about the pub though.
On a serious note, if you are feeling worried or struggling to cope during the coronavirus pandemic, there is help available. Beyond Blue has a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service that you can call on 1800 512 348.
