Pandemic dreams create a “shared mindscape”

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.