What your summer dreams really mean

This summer has been one of the warmest on record, with endless sun-drenched days and sweltering nights. However, the hot weather has had an unexpected side effect: triggering especially vivid and memorable dreams.

While the average person has four to six dreams each night, most are forgotten by the time they wake up. But during a heatwave the high temperatures can stop us sleeping as deeply, meaning we are more likely to remember our dreams.

“If you’re sleeping in a room which is too warm your night will be disturbed,” says sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley. “This leads to greater brain activity while you’re dozing, causing you to dream more and for you to remember them.”

Here, dream expert Lizzie Cornwall explains what your summer dreams really mean.

Being chased

This is a common anxiety dream. First try to remember who or what is chasing you. This will give you a better understanding of what it is you’re worried about.

Also consider the distance between you and what is chasing you. If the chaser is close by then you are feeling overwhelmed by a situation, whereas if the chaser is a significant distance away this suggests you will conquer your current problems with ease.

Flying

The classic dream of soaring through the clouds like a bird signifies self-confidence and a happy state of mind.

However, if you are dodging power lines, chimneys and treetops mid-flight, this symbolises obstacles to overcome in your waking life that prevent you from moving forward.

Dying

To dream that you are dying suggests you are in a negative situation in your life, such as a toxic relationship. It is a wake-up call to do something about it.

It doesn’t mean your life is at risk but you are likely to be feeling unhappy or out of sorts with your current situation. If you dream you have died this is actually much more positive as it signifies transformation and new beginnings.

It suggests a period of change, like a new job, relationship or house move.

Teeth falling out

If you dream about teeth rotting and falling out, it suggests you have let something slip that you now regret. It could be that you have been spreading rumours or telling lies.

Other interpretations of this common dream are that you are embarrassed about something or have a feeling of sheer powerlessness in your waking life. One positive interpretation is that it signifies money coming your way.

Doing an exam

Sitting an exam or a test is a common dream, especially one where you open the paper and can’t answer any of the questions. This sort of dream can reveal some deep-seated fears about success or failure.

That horrible feeling of being unprepared and out of your depth may mirror something coming up in your life that you don’t feel ready for. If this is the case, start planning and take steps to help you relax before the big day.

Passing a test can indicate that you’re ready for what life might throw at you. Failing may symbolise feeling insecure or inadequate in some way.

Naked in public

This can signify feeling vulnerable and exposed in real life. Your naked self may symbolise who you are deep down inside.

If you are enjoying the feeling of being naked among other people, however, you are either very comfortable in your own skin or you have an extrovert side that needs to be unleashed.

Being without clothes can also symbolise a breaking down of barriers, as clothes can be seen as a layer of protection. It could be you need to let your guard down and show some vulnerability in order to enhance your connection with an individual or situation.

Water

Water has different meanings, depending on the context of the dream. Playing in water suggests you long for more fun in your life. Boiling water suggests emotional turmoil and the need to let off steam.

Calm, clear water denotes serenity and peace of mind: you are in tune with your spirituality. Muddy water indicates you are wallowing in negativity.

Dreaming about a large body of water, for example the sea, can help you find ways of dealing with strong emotions. Try to recall how you felt during the dream and look for links to the real world.

Meeting a celebrity

Dreaming that you meet a celebrity, especially one you are attracted to, suggests you are idolising a relationship and are likely to be disappointed when things don’t work out as you hoped.

To dream of befriending a celebrity can signify you have a friend who is behaving like a prima donna or that you’re feeling on the edge of your social circle and want to be more popular.

Winning the lottery

This suggests you need to conserve resources and energies. It can also highlight the fact you lack something physical or spiritual in your life.

Late for something

Dreaming that you are running late for a meeting or appointment can reflect lack of time management or signify that you are struggling to juggle all your priorities.

Try to recall what event you were late for. Sometimes it can reflect your subconscious resistance to something or someone.

● Extracted by MERNIE GILMORE from The Little Book Of Dreams by Lizzie Cornwall (Summersdale, £9.99, published on August 9). To pre-order a copy, call The Express Bookshop on 01872 562310 or visit expressbookshop.co.uk