The 18 Most Common Dreams and What They Mean

Written By Lisa Marley

Your dreams can be wild, and it is common to wake up in the morning wondering what on Earth went on in your head overnight. However, dreams are often linked to reality, and there are reasons for them all. If you’re wondering how your dream relates to your life, here are the 18 most common dreams and what they mean.

Dreaming of falling is the most common dream

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According to Forbes, coming in first place, dreaming of falling is the most common recurring dream that people experience. Falling dreams are thought to be connected to disappointments and letdowns. Those with a high opinion of themselves also have this dream a lot, connected to the fear of falling off their pedestal.

Being chased is a high-stress dream

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When you wake up from a dream where you are being chased, you often feel the stress that accompanies you in the dream. Dreaming that you’re being chased means that you are running away from something. Maybe you’re avoiding a problem or confrontation that you really need to address.

Flying in your dreams represents freedom

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Flying often represents freedom so if you’re dreaming of flying, it probably means you’re feeling restricted. Flying symbolizes the desire for freedom and is common if you feel like you need to escape something in your life. It is also linked to burdens that may be holding you back.

A lot of people dream about losing teeth

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Dreaming about losing teeth has a lot of meaning. Most simply, it is connected to actual dental issues or pops up if you’re due to attend a dental appointment. However, any dream to do with the mouth can also be connected to communication issues that you’re experiencing in life.

Dreams of being naked are linked to vulnerability

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If you are naked in public in your dreams, it usually reflects vulnerability. You may have a current fear of being judged or exposed. It may also mean that you are currently feeling shame over something in your reality. Verywell Mind says that the public setting indicates your anxieties are heightened.

If you’re stressed, you might dream about taking an exam

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Taking an exam is a high-stress situation so you might dream about this if you’re currently experiencing a lot of stress in your reality. It’s linked to real-life situations where you may be feeling tested, or you may have current anxieties about your performance, particularly at school or work.

Death dreams are very symbolic

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In Ancient Egypt, dreams were considered to be messages from the Gods, and dreaming of death was meant to be highly symbolic. Although these dreams commonly arise during a personal loss, they can also be linked to transformation rather than actual death. It indicates both endings and new beginnings.

It’s common to be late in dreams

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Many people dream about being late, and it is often linked to feeling pressured. If you’re late in dreams, your real life may currently be experiencing a situation where you are worried about not meeting expectations or missing an opportunity. These dreams also highlight feelings of inadequacy.

Meeting a celebrity is always an exciting dream

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If you’re dreaming about meeting a celebrity, it means that you want recognition, success, or admiration. When there is something going on in your life that you want people to acknowledge, you may see a famous face in dreamland. Psych Central says it could also represent a desire to follow your ambitions.

Natural disasters in dreams are linked to overwhelm

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Overwhelm or burnout in your life can lead you to dream about natural disasters. Life events you can’t control come with a lot of fear and stress, emotions you would also automatically feel during a natural disaster. These dreams highlight how much your current overwhelm is impacting your life.

Pregnancy dreams mean new beginnings

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When you dream about pregnancy when you’re pregnant, the meaning is obvious. However, if you’re not pregnant, you may wake up a little confused. Dreaming of pregnancy often means new beginnings. You might be experiencing a big change in your life or be working on a new project.

Infidelity reflects insecurities in a relationship

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It’s common in relationships for one partner to dream that the other has cheated on them. These dreams usually feel very real, and you can be mad at your other half for the rest of the day. Dreaming of adultery usually indicates insecurities in a relationship and a lack of trust.

Dreaming of losing control of a vehicle means something deeper

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Losing control of a vehicle often means you feel that you have lost control of something in your life. It symbolizes loss, so maybe you have lost a friendship, relationship, or something of value to you. This dream can also be a wake-up call that you’re on the verge of losing something important.

Money dreams are extremely common

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There are said to be around ten possible interpretations of dreaming about money. Most commonly, dreaming of money, particularly losing it, represents either financial struggle or your feelings of self-worth. Alternatively, winning money often accompanies a new burst of confidence and is symbolic of growth.

Being trapped is linked to feeling stuck

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When you’re in a real-life situation where you feel stuck, it is common to dream that you’re trapped. This indicates the lack of opportunity to escape your reality, whether you are restricted or just feel like you haven’t made any progress lately.

Animals often appear in dreams

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Animals appear in dreams for a wide variety of reasons, and it is often dependent on which animal they are. However, it is usually linked to natural instincts or behaviors that are being ignored. If you are rejecting your intuition or turning a blind eye to red flags, animals will visit your dream world.

Emotions are represented by water in dreams

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In your dreams, water can have different meanings but is deeply rooted in emotions. Calm waters represent peace in your life, while turbulent waters are connected to troubling situations. Everyday Health says that water brings forward feelings that are lingering below the surface.

Injury or illness also reflects vulnerability

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Vulnerabilities show up in dreams in many different ways, and one of those is through illness or injury. If you fear being hurt or are neglecting self-care, you may dream that you’re sick. These dreams also reflect very real fears of loved ones getting hurt if they are the ones injured or ill.

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