Dreams decoded: experts explain the most common reoccurring dreams

A monster chases you but your legs won't move. 

You're writing a high school exam you didn't study for.

While brushing your teeth, they fall out.

If you've experienced similar bizarre dreams over and over again, you're not alone. Dream experts say recurring dreams — often stressful ones — are common. And while they shouldn't always be taken literally, experts say it's important to pay attention to your dreams; they may offer a portal to messages locked in your unconscious mind.

"(Dreams) are the mind's way of grappling with something that needs to be addressed," said Dr. Jonathan Douglas, a Barrie-based psychologist who works with patients with recurring dreams. "i wouldn't say that everybody automatically has to pay attention to their dreams, but there is value in them as guide toward some unique self knowledge."

Douglas said anyone can have recurring dreams, which, like regular dreams, often present themselves during two points in the sleep cycle: during a lighter period of sleep when the mind is relaxed yet active, and during a deeper period of sleep, called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. 

While the content of individual peoples' recurring dreams may be similar, their meaning varies depending on the person and the context of their life at that moment, said Douglas. Certain recurring dreams may surface because the person has past unfinished business eating away at them, while other times they may be tied to a person's current period of anxiety or stress, he said. 

There's also Sigmund Freud's theory that dreams represent the fulfillment of a repressed desire or a wish. Interpret that as you may, those of you having sex dreams about your boss. 

To analyze why you might be dreaming what you're dreaming, CBC asked the experts.

School-related dreams

Writing an exam you haven't studied for is a common recurring dream, said Kathy Belicki, a professor of psychology at Brock University. "These dreams are almost invariably innocent tension relief dreams that simply reflect a common anxiety about performance in students," she said, noting she still has the dreams. Lauri Loewenberg, author of Dream On It: Unlock Your Dreams, Change Your Life and founder of thedreamzone.com, said school is where people learn basic job skills and social skills, so the dreams are often tied to work-related issues in a person's life. "If you're late for class in your dream, are you worried about a deadline at work? If you can't find your class or your locker, are you not feeling like you are where you would like to be in your job or career?" she said. 

Teeth falling out

While disturbing, this dream probably has nothing to do with losing teeth, say experts. Some, including Mark Hagen, a clinical psychotherapist and director of the International Institute for Dream Research, based in Hamilton, believe it represents an unconscious fear of growing older and of your body falling apart. Others, including Loewenberg, believe it represents a time when you said something you shouldn't have. "Your dreams are trying to show you that you must be careful about what comes out of your mouth because once it is out, like a tooth, you can't put it back in," Loewenberg said. 

Being chased

This dream might mean "something is threatening you and you're trying to escape from it," said Douglas. Alternatively, Loewenberg said this dream might represent a situation where the dreamer is trying to avoid confrontation — fleeing problems instead of facing them. "You need to ask yourself, what issue is it that you are running from rather than facing? Is it a confrontation you need to make? An obligation you want out of?" said Loewenberg, noting this dream is common amongst women. "These dreams will stop when you face and deal with whatever it is you fear during waking hours."

Sex dreams with people you're not attracted to

Don't worry, it doesn't mean you secretly want to shag them. Loewenberg said these dreams often stem from a psychological yearning rather than a physical one. "For example, if you had a naughty dream about a co-worker that you have ZERO interest in, there is something about that person you identify with or want for yourself," she said. "Perhaps they are always calm, cool-headed and laid back. It could simply be that your subconscious wants you to merge that quality into yourself."

Katrina Clarke is a Toronto-based journalist who writes about relationships, health, technology and social trends. Find her on Twitter at @KatrinaAClarke.