We all probably know what it’s like to wake up with the memory of a strange dream. But even weirder, most of us have had the experience of dreaming about something truly bizarre (our teeth falling out, for example), and later finding out that someone else has had the same dream.
Even though dreams are highly personal, a lot of dreams are universal because they reveal emotions that we all share (like stress, fear, and joy), using familiar images (such as test-taking or pregnancy). The following 10 dreams are some of the most common, as identified by dream experts. Find out what they all mean.
Cheating
Teeth falling out
Chances are, when you dream about your teeth falling out, you’re under a lot of stress. These dreams are associated with feelings of anxiety or a sense of helplessness and lack of control. Interestingly, they might also denote “loose speech,” and could reflect your sense of regret after saying something you wish you hadn’t. That’s not all — dreams about teeth falling out may pertain to insecurities about your looks or even have a sexual connotation.
Being chased
The next time you’re fleeing something in a dream, ask yourself: What are you avoiding? Many times, chase dreams stand for something we’re trying to escape or have been putting off in waking life, like an awkward conversation or impending bills. This type of dream also tends to arise during stressful times. The person or thing that’s chasing you can offer additional clues about your chase dream’s origin.
Taking a test
Even if you’ve been out of school for years, you might have had the experience of totally blanking during an exam in a dream. Usually these dreams coincide with stressful events or reflect your feelings of being unprepared for something in reality. In addition, they may point to shaky self-esteem or a sense of inadequacy, and might be more common among people who are prone to being hard on themselves.
Being naked
Few dreams are as blush-inducing as ones where you realize you’re wildly underdressed (or maybe not dressed at all) in public. Often, dreams about nudity can mirror feelings of being unprepared, similar to the ones that inspire test-taking dreams. Some believe that dreams about nudity can also reveal feelings of shame or vulnerability. In this way, naked dreams may surface after you’ve been ridiculed in waking life. On the plus side, another common interpretation is that naked dreams expose feelings of freedom.
Death
Dreaming about dying is usually unsettling, but according to many interpretations, there’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s believed that in dreams death represents transformation. It’s as if one part of you bites the dust and you’re reborn as a new person. If you’re yearning for a fresh start, you might dream of dying. Of course, death dreams could also reflect pent-up worries, aggression, or grief.
Snakes
As a symbol, snakes are heavy with meaning. Based on Judeo-Christian tradition, snakes could be seen as representation of evil or temptation. With that, snakes generally signify something that’s bothering you. Since serpents are thought to be duplicitous, it may be that you’re feeling mentally torn about something. Alternatively, snakes could stand for someone who has double-crossed you in waking life. Another interpretation suggests that snakes have a sexual connotation, but others view snakes as a sign of renewal.
