Many people wake up after a restful night’s sleep and remember their dreams. Sometimes, we dream about things that we want to happen, like our goals and our future. Other times, we dream about people from our past, like passed relatives or even exes. There are also some common things that we dream about happening to ourselves. For instance, a lot of people have had the dream where they feel like they are falling, and then jolt awake right before they hit the ground (via BBC).

Another common dream that people have is dreaming about not being able to breathe. While it’s definitely not on the positive side of dreams, there are thousands of people who report having this kind of dream (via Alo Dreams). However, there are some who dream about not being able to breathe just because they can’t catch their breath, and others who cannot breathe due to restrictions like smoke, holding their breath, or even being underwater. 

The one thing people wonder is simply: what does it mean when you dream about not being able to breathe? 

What do breathing dreams really mean?

Many people believe that dreams hold symbolic meanings. Some believe that dreams are the bodies way of telling us things that are hidden beneath the surface of our bodies and our minds (via Dental Sleep Practice). Sometimes, things can seem simple and straightforward, but there are hidden metaphors beneath the things happening to us while we sleep. 

When it comes to dreaming about breathing and the loss of the ability to breathe, many experts weigh in that it has to do with your personal sense of responsibility and stress. People interpret not being able to breathe in your dreams as a sign that you are taking too much on yourself in life and are unable to do things you have sought out to accomplish (via Alo Dreams). The “restriction” of your breath is symbolic of the restrictions in your life. Others weigh in that the loss of ability to breathe in your dreams showcases that you are being “trapped by your stresses in life” (via Dental Sleep Practice). 

While it is a scary thought and feeling, even in your sleep, sleep experts say there are ways to try and navigate this nightmare. Some say that if you are experiencing these type of dreams, it would be in your best interest to try and manage your stress and anxiety in your everyday life (via Dreaming and Sleeping). Trying to find inner peace and “enjoy life more” are ways to avoid these kind of scary dreams. 

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