Italian scientists who studied the dreams of terminally ill people before death have discovered several connections. The results of the study were published in the journal “Death Studies”.
The researchers surveyed 239 palliative care professionals – doctors, nurses and psychologists – about their patients’ dreams.
The analysis of the obtained information revealed that many participants talked about meeting with deceased loved ones. Specialists interpreted these images as a sign of inner peace and acceptance of death.
Symbols of transition were also often seen in dreams – doors, stairs and light. One patient described walking barefoot toward an open door filled with light.
Some dreams were also quite disturbing – as an example, the researchers cited a case where the patient saw a “monster with a mother’s face” pulling her down. Experts believe that this may reflect an unresolved inner emotional conflict or a fear of letting go of the past.
Some dreams expressed a sense of peace through nature imagery, for example one patient described a white horse galloping along the coast.
Researchers believe that pre-death dreams may have an important psychological function – soothing dreams, especially those involving deceased loved ones, can act as comforting mechanisms. At the same time, disturbing visions can indicate unmet physical or emotional needs.
