We all dream, even if we don’t always remember them, but some dreams are a lot more common than others, popping up more frequently than other themes or dream symbols, and spanning across countries and time.
We’ll take a look at the 50 most common dreams and break down what the most popular dream symbols mean.
The 15 Most Common Dreams & Their Meanings?
1. Falling
Taking the top spot is the sensation of falling. This dream can carry feelings of anxiety and loss of control.
It’s likely to be related to stress in your waking life, feeling like you’re dropping the ball, or facing a major transition.
There’s a theory that falling dreams might be partly physiological. As your body relaxes during sleep, it can sometimes misinterpret this as falling, causing a jolt (hypnic jerk) that gets incorporated into the dream.
What Do Falling Dreams Mean:
- The context of your falling dream can offer clues. Falling from a great height might suggest a big fear, while stumbling could represent a minor loss of control.
- Falling dreams can sometimes be about feeling like you’re losing something important, like a relationship or a job.
- Loss of control is a big one. Feeling like you’re falling in a dream can mean you feel like you’re not in control in your waking life.
2. Being Chased
Close behind the most common dream, is the dream of being chased.
This fast-paced dream often signifies feelings of being overwhelmed or pressured. It could be related to work deadlines, relationship issues, or simply the anxieties of daily life.
And like falling dreams, they can have various interpretations depending on the specific details and your current life situation but generally, they’re connected to feelings of anxiety and avoidance.
- The nature of who or what is chasing you can offer valuable clues.
- Being chased by a person you know could represent a specific conflict with that individual, while an unknown pursuer signifies a more general feeling of unease.
- Animals in dreams often have symbolic meanings. Being chased by a predator might indicate a fear of failure or a primal threat you perceive in your waking life.
- Sometimes, dreams of being chased involve sleep paralysis. This is a state where you’re aware of your surroundings but unable to move, which can intensify the feeling of being trapped.
- The direction you’re running in your dream can hold significance. Running away might symbolize avoidance, while running towards something could represent facing a challenge head-on.
3. Flying
Dreams about flying can be very liberating for the dreamer. They’re generally positive, and can symbolize feelings of control, and possibility.
- Soaring through the sky is a dream that can leave you feeling empowered and free. It can symbolize a desire for a sense of accomplishment, or a creative breakthrough.
- Some cultures view flying dreams as a spiritual experience, signifying a connection with a higher plane of existence or a deeper understanding of yourself.
- How you fly in your dream can offer additional clues. Effortless soaring suggests control, while struggling to stay aloft might indicate anxieties about maintaining progress.
4. Losing Teeth
This dream can be pretty horrifying as iy involves multiple teeth crumbling or falling out out of your mouth. It’s often tied to feelings of insecurity or vulnerability.
It might represent anxieties about self-image, communication, or life changes that make you feel exposed.
- Not all dreams about teeth should be interpreted literally. Sometimes, they might symbolize the loss of a cherished idea or belief system, a metaphorical shedding of something that no longer serves you.
- The details of the dream can be significant. Were you able to stop the teeth from falling out?
- Did you feel pain?
5. Unprepared for a Test
Feeling totally lost facing a test you haven’t studied for is a common dream, especially among students.
This dream taps into anxieties about performance, inadequacy, or feeling unprepared for a challenge in waking life.
- Forgetting to study for a test is a classic example, and unpreparedness dreams can manifest in many ways.
- Forgetting your lines in a play, missing important equipment for a sports game, or being late for a flight can all represent similar anxieties.
- The dream could be a manifestation of self-doubt or insecurity. You might be questioning your abilities or qualifications to succeed in a particular area.
- These dreams can stem from a fear of failure. The test represents a situation where you’re worried about not measuring up to expectations, your own or others’.
- Were you panicking, feeling overwhelmed, or just mildly anxious? The intensity of your emotions can indicate the severity of your anxiety in waking life.
6. Falling
Falling dreams are definitely a common occurrence, and interpretations can vary depending on the specifics of the dream and what’s going on in your life.
- If you’re going through a big change or things feel uncertain, you might have falling dreams.
- The common meaning behind this dream is a biggie for everyone: loss of control. Falling in dreams, in many circumstances for the dreamer, can represent feeling like you’re not in charge of something important in your waking life. That loss of control is a feeling that can cause you great upset.
- Sometimes falling dreams are about feeling like you’re losing something important, like a relationship, a house, or maybe the passing of someone close to you. That loss is represented by falling in your dream, whether by a great height, or a something smaller like a tree.
7. Naked
If you find yourself stark naked in a dream, especially in front of a crowd, there are a range of meanings depending on the context and your emotional state in the dream.
- Feeling naked in a dream can symbolize feeling exposed or vulnerable in your waking life. You might be worried about being judged or criticized for something.
- Fear of exposure. This ties into vulnerability. The dream might reflect a fear of having something personal or secret revealed.
- If you dream about being naked in an inappropriate setting, like work or school, it could indicate a feeling of being unprepared for a situation or challenge.
- Interestingly, nudity in dreams can also represent a desire to be authentic and shed any facades. You might be longing to be true to yourself and be accepted for who you are.
- Were you in a public place, a familiar place, or somewhere else entirely? The setting can provide clues about where you feel exposed or insecure in your waking life.
8. Mortality
Dreams about mortality, encompassing themes of death or dying, are surprisingly common and can carry a variety of meanings. They often trigger strong emotions, so it’s natural to seek understanding.
- These dreams can be a direct reflection of fear or anxiety about death itself, the unknown, or the process of dying.
- Often, dreams about death appear during significant life changes or periods of uncertainty. They may symbolize the ending of an old phase of life and the beginning of a new one.
- If you’ve recently experienced a loss or are dealing with grief, dreams about mortality could be a way of processing those emotions.
- Dreams about death can sometimes surface when you’re grappling with unresolved emotional issues, anxieties, or a sense of powerlessness in your waking life.
- Mortality dreams can also be a sticky reminder to appreciate life and make the most of the time you have.
9. Back In School
Back to school dreams can symbolize a desire to learn something new or take on a fresh challenge in your waking life. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in a rut and yearning for an opportunity to expand your knowledge or skills?
- School can be stressful, so dreams about being back in school could reflect anxieties or challenges you’re facing in your current life. Are you worried about an upcoming work project, a difficult decision, or a personal issue?
- Tests and exams are a big part of school, so these dreams might indicate an upcoming evaluation or period of judgment in your waking life. Maybe you’re worried about a performance review, a job interview, or simply feeling like you’re being measured up to expectations.
- School can also evoke feelings of nostalgia for a time when things felt more structured or secure. The dream could be a way of yearning for a simpler time in your life.
- This type of dream could represent a part of you that’s seeking self-improvement or development in some way.
10. Moving In Slow Motion
Dreams where you move in slow motion are interesting because they can point to a feeling of being stuck or lacking control in your waking life.
- The slow movement might symbolize feeling stuck in a situation or unable to make progress towards your goals. You might be facing obstacles or limitations that are hindering your forward movement.
- Struggling to move quickly in a dream can reflect a feeling of powerlessness in your waking life. Maybe external forces or circumstances are making you feel like you have little control over what’s happening.
- The slow motion aspect can be frustrating, indicating that you wish things were moving faster in your waking life. You might be impatient with the pace of progress or feel like you’re not getting anywhere.
- In some cases, slow-motion movement could represent a subconscious urge to slow down in your waking life. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and the dream is a way of reminding you to take a step back and focus on self-care.
- Were you trying to move faster but couldn’t, or were you resigned to the slow pace? The level of effort you exerted can indicate how much you’re actively trying to overcome obstacles in your waking life.
11. Snakes Or Spiders
Snakes are known for shedding their skin, so they can symbolize transformation, rebirth, or positive change in your life. Spiders are common phobias, so dreams about them might simply reflect a general feeling of fear or anxiety.
Dreams about snakes and spiders are both common and can have a variety of interpretations depending on the specific details and your own feelings.
- In some cultures, snakes are associated with healing and wisdom.
- Snakes can also represent hidden dangers or challenges that you might be facing or something negative you’re avoiding.
- Being caught in a spiderweb can represent feeling stuck in a situation or relationship.
- It’s not all bad, the intricate webs spiders weave can symbolize creativity, new ideas, or the process of bringing something to life.
12. Being Paralyzed
Sometimes, these dreams can be directly related to a sleep disorder called sleep paralysis. During sleep paralysis, you experience a brief inability to move or speak while waking up or falling asleep. It can feel very real and can be accompanied by scary hallucinations.
- Paralysis dreams can represent feelings of helplessness or being stuck in a situation in your waking life. Maybe you’re facing challenges you don’t feel equipped to handle, or you feel like you have no control over what’s happening around you.
- The inability to move in the dream could reflect a fear of taking action or making a decision in your waking life. You might be worried about the consequences of moving forward, so you stay frozen in place.
- If you’re unable to speak in the dream, it can symbolize feeling like your voice or opinions don’t matter in a waking situation. You might feel unheard or powerless to express yourself.
- Were you physically restrained, or was it a strange inability to move? The cause can offer clues about the source of your feelings of helplessness in waking life.
13. Money
Money is tied to feelings of security and stability. Dreams about money could reflect your desire for financial security or your anxieties about your current financial situation.
- Money can also symbolize your sense of self-worth and achievement. Finding money in a dream might represent a boost in confidence, while losing money could indicate feelings of inadequacy.
- Money can symbolize opportunities and abundance. Winning money in a dream might suggest exciting new possibilities opening up in your life.
- Money can also symbolize your sense of self-worth and achievement. Finding money in a dream might represent a boost in confidence, while losing money could indicate feelings of inadequacy.
Did you earn it, win it, or receive it as a gift? The source of the money can offer hints about where feelings of security or accomplishment might be coming from in your waking life.
These are just a few of the many common dream themes. It’s important to remember that dreams can be very personal. While these interpretations offer some insight, the true meaning of your dream might be connected to specific situations in your life. Dreams about snakes and spiders are both common and can have a variety of interpretations depending on the specific details and your own feelings.
14. Being Lost
Feeling lost in a dream can simply reflect feelings of disorientation or uncertainty in your waking life. Maybe you’re facing a big decision, going through a transition, or navigating an unfamiliar situation.
- The dream could represent a feeling of lacking direction or clear goals in your life. You might wander aimlessly without a purpose or destination.
- Feeling lost can also symbolize a sense of insecurity or lack of control. You might feel like you’re not in charge of your own path and are being swept along by external forces.
- In some cases, getting lost can represent a yearning for something missing in your life. Maybe you’ve strayed from your true path or haven’t found your place yet.
Were you in a familiar or unfamiliar place? The setting can offer clues about the area of life where you feel lost. Getting lost in a forest might symbolize confusion about your life path, while being lost in a city could represent feeling overwhelmed by choices.
15. Driving Out-Of-Control Vehicle
The car represents your life path, and being unable to steer it indicates you feel like you’re not in charge. This could be related to work, relationships, finances, or a major life decision.
- The dream might reflect strong emotions you’re grappling with, such as anxiety, stress, or fear. The out-of-control car symbolizes your struggle to manage these emotions.
- The dream vehicle could symbolize conflicting aspects of yourself. Struggling to steer it reflects your internal struggle to reconcile these opposing forces.
Did you eventually gain control, or did the car crash? The outcome can reflect your hopefulness or pessimism about regaining control in your waking life.
The 10 Most Popular Dreams In The World
The following are the 10 most common dreams around the world, and the number of countries that are having them. The top spot is taken by the snake dream symbol, and by a landslide at that. Who knew?
| Rank | Dream Symbol | No. Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Snakes | 45 |
| 2. | Falling | 21 |
| 3. | Being Chased | 19 |
| 4. | Flying | 18 |
| 3. | Losing Teeth | 17 |
| 4. | School/Unprepared Test | 12 |
| 5. | Falling | 11 |
| 6. | Naked | 11 |
| 7. | Mortality | 10 |
| 8. | Being Lost | 8 |
| 9. | Moving In Slow motion | 5 |
| 10. | Being late | 5 |
The Most Common Dream In Every Country
For this dream table, we compiled the information from each country in the world, and were able to find the most common dreams for each and every country. It’s interesting to see the dream correlations in location, climate, and culture.
What’s the most popular dream in your country?
| Country | Dream |
| United States | Teeth Falling Out |
| Brazil | Snakes |
| Argentina | Spiders |
| Peru | Rats |
| Chile | Mice |
| Colombia | Lice |
| Uruguay | Snakes |
| Venezuela | Lice |
| Guyanna | Baby |
| Ecuador | Snakes |
| Bolivia | Baby |
| Canada | Teeth Falling Out |
| Mexico | Ex. Relationship |
| Costa Rica | The Dead |
| Panama | Snakes |
| Jamaica | Baby |
| Bahamas | Dove |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Snakes |
| Haiti | Cars |
| Antigua | Teeth Falling Out |
| Dominican Republic | Snakes |
| Saint Vincent | Pregnancy |
| Belize | Money |
| Guatemal, Nicaragua | Lice |
| Denmark | Pregnancy |
| Norway | Teeth Falling Out |
| Ireland, U.K, Netherlands, Belgium | Teeth Falling Out |
| Portugal | Snakes |
| Andorra | Being Cheated On |
| Sweden | Teeth Falling Out |
| Poland | Teeth Falling Out |
| France | Ex. Relationship |
| Spain | Teeth Falling Out |
| Switzerland, Italy | Pregnancy |
| Malta | Snakes |
| Austria | Snakes |
| Slovenia | Money |
| Croatia, Bosnia, Montenego | Snakes |
| Albania | Breast |
| Greece | Hat |
| Cyprus | Sea |
| Serbia, Macedonia, Bulgaria | Snakes |
| Ukraine | Sea |
| Czech Republic | Death |
| Latvia | Spiders |
| Russia, Moldova | Snakes |
| Georgia | Pregnancy |
| Armenia | Grapes |
| Hungary, Pakistan | The Dead |
| Estonia | Bears |
| Finland | Snakes |
| Morocco | Pregnancy |
| Tunisia | Baby |
| Cape Verde | Blood |
| Libya | Cutting hair |
| Ethiopia | Shoes |
| Uganda, Kenya, Egypt | Snakes |
| Tanzania, Indonesia | Pregnancy |
| Niger, Sri Lanka | Death |
| Cameroon, Congo, Cote D’ i Voire | Snakes |
| Berkina Fasa, Senegal | Snakes |
| Ghana, Nigeria | Sex |
| Togo, Madagascar, Japan | Ex. Relationship |
| Gabon, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain | Marriage |
| Benin | Stairs |
| Nambia | Squirrels |
| Mozambique, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Angola | Snakes |
| Botswana | Eating |
| South Africa | Money |
| Rwanda | Wedding |
| Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore | Snakes |
| India, Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam | Snakes |
| Phillipines, Brunei, Taiwan | Snakes |
| Nepal, Laos, Myanmar | Snakes |
| Cambodia | Crocodile |
| Australia, New Zealand | Teeth Falling Out |
| South Korea | Falling Into Water |
| Fiji | Peacock |
| Bhutan | Rainbow |
| United Arab Emirates, Tajkistan | Teeth Falling Out |
| Kuwait, Lebanon | Pregnancy |
| Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan | Snakes |
| Saudi Arabia, Iraq | Marriage |
| Israel, Kazakhistan, Bahrain | Snakes |
| Qatar | Sea |
Related Dream Symbols: Snakes, Cars on fire, Falling, Teeth Falling Out
