It’s something many of us regularly think about – what happens when you’re about to die?
Now, scientists have revealed the dreams you’ll probably have as you near your end.
Experts from Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia surveyed more than 200 carers of terminally ill people about their end–of–life dreams and visions (ELDVs).
And the results revealed several common themes.
Many reported vivid dreams featuring lost loved ones, while others saw symbols of transition, including doors, stairways and light.
According to the researchers, these themes may offer psychological relief and meaning to people facing end of life.
‘[ELDVs] carry an important relational potential,’ the researchers explained in their study, published in the journal Death Studies.
‘Talking about ELDVs allows patients to approach otherwise unspeakable topics through a symbolic mode of expression, bypassing the obstacles of rational language, which can instead trigger defensive reactions such as denial.’
There have already been several studies on near–death experiences, and the visions people experience during them.
However, until now, little has been known about the dreams people experience when they’re about to die.
‘Despite their prevalence and relational significance, ELDVs still lack a clear cultural and clinical understanding,’ the team, led by Elisa Rabitti, explained.
‘Patients often hesitate to disclose them due to fear of ridicule, judgment, or being perceived as confused and may minimize their importance when they do share them.’
To get to the bottom of it, the team surveyed 239 palliative care doctors, nurses, and psychologists about the dreams their terminally ill patients had told them.
The results revealed several common themes.
Firstly, many participants experienced encounters with deceased loved ones.
‘One professional, for instance, recounted a patient who dreamed of her husband saying, “I’m waiting for you,” interpreting this as a sign of inner peace and acceptance of death,’ the researchers explained.
What do you believe dreams at the end of life reveal about our fears, hopes, or the afterlife?
Others saw symbols of transition, such as doors, stairways, or light.
For example, one patient described herself ‘climbing barefoot toward an open door filled with light’.
Some of the dreams were described as unsettling or distressing.
‘One participant recalled a patient who dreamed that “a monster with my mother’s face was dragging me down,” an image the professional perceived as reflecting unresolved emotional conflict or fear of letting go,’ the team explained.
In contrast, other dreams conveyed beauty or serenity – often through natural or symbolic imagery.
For example, one patients described seeing a ‘white horse galloping along the shoreline.’
The reason for these different visions remains unclear.
However, several of the healthcare professionals put forward their suggestions.
‘Some participants suggested that comforting dreams, especially those involving deceased loved ones, might be understood as psychospiritual coping mechanisms,’ the researchers explained.
‘While distressing visions might indicate unmet clinical or emotional needs.’
