Improve your mental well-being with BetterHelpConnect
ScienceOur AppThemesEncyclopediaDreamsBlog
Try now
Fever Dreams Explored: How Illness Alters Your Imagination
Denys Chumak

Denys Chumak

31 Aug 2023

Fever Dreams Explored: How Illness Alters Your Imagination

1. Introduction

Have you ever noticed how your dreams get more intense and vivid when you are sick with a fever? You may have had weird and unsettling dreams known as fever dreams. Here, we will explore the meaning of fever dreams, the science behind them and their impact on individuals.

2. Fever Dreaming Meaning

A fever dream's significance is subjective and varies from person to person. Fever dreams may be the brain's way of processing high temperatures, resulting in unique and frequently odd dream experiences. High fevers are known to interrupt REM sleep, resulting in sleep disruption and strange nightmares.

Some theories propose that fever dreams are the body's attempt to analyse and integrate the physiological changes that occur during illness. Others believe that these dreams are a manifestation of underlying emotions or concerns associated with the sickness.

3. The Science of Fever Dreams

Fever dreams, as observed in studies from (2013)[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3830719/] and (2016)[https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/IJoDR/article/view/28492], are characterised by their odd and intense nature. During fever episodes, people often report recurring or shifting dreams that are more negative, emotionally intense, and devoid of social interaction compared to regular dreams.

These strange dream features may be produced by abnormalities in brain activity caused by feverish temperatures. These fever-induced dreams, which frequently include images connected to disease, are thought to be impacted by the brain's knowledge of the body's fever-induced symptoms. The disturbance of REM sleep, a critical stage for dreaming, caused by fever, may have contributed to the altered nature of these dreams.

This tendency is consistent with the "continuity hypothesis" of dreaming, which proposes that recent waking events influence dream content.

4. Fever Dreams vs. Nightmares

While fever dreams are caused by a fever, nightmares can be caused by anxiety, stress, or trauma. These terrible and upsetting nightmares could also be signs of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy. Nightmares, regardless of their origin, can impair sleep quality.

Nightmares can be reduced by reducing stress and practising good sleep hygiene. Cognitive behavioural treatment may be required in more difficult situations. A sleep study can also establish whether or not a sleep issue exists.

5. Fever Dreams vs. Lucid Dreams

The dreamer becomes aware that they are sleeping during lucid dreams. Some lucid dreamers claim to have control over their dreams. In one study, approximately 40% of fever dreams were described as lucid. This figure is substantially higher than the 7.5% of healthy persons who have lucid dreams.

6. The Emotional Component of Fever Dreams

A. The Heat of Emotions in Fever Dreams

Fever dreams represent repressed emotions such as wrath, irritation, and resentment in our waking lives owing to societal pressure or personal convictions. Even though these dreams might be unsettling, they serve the purpose of expressing deep emotions.

B. Emotional Well-Being Impact

The intense emotions experienced in fever dreams can leave the dreamer feeling awkward and uncomfortable upon waking. These nightmares may also cause increased emotional instability, unpleasant thoughts, and bewilderment. However, if approached with self-reflection, fever dreams are able to help you with personal growth.

7. Causes and Effects of Fever Dreams

Underlying Conditions

Of course, it's possible that fever dreams aren't necessarily dreams—at least not in the way we know them. "We know that people with other medical conditions, such as encephalopathies [diseases that affect the function or structure of the brain], may have hallucinations," Dr. Rodriguez explained. "Hallucinations could be a form of 'awake dreaming' in those circumstances. The same might be argued if we had a fever."

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation caused by illness may also contribute to odd dreams. "Having a fever is an unstable state that will fragment our sleep," Dr. Rodriguez explained. "We know that patients with severe sleep apnea or narcolepsy, both of which have a form of sleep fragmentation, have a tendency to remember more of their dreams." Dr. Rodriguez also mentioned that whether or not we have a fever, we usually remember the more distressing dreams, such as nightmares.

Stress

Even if you are not feverish, you may have unusual dreams—especially if you are under stress. According to Gail Saltz, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry at NY Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the "Personology" podcast, dreams are significant in comprehending unconscious thinking. "A dream can provide a window into unconscious anxieties, fears, desires, and so on if correctly interpreted by a patient and doctor working together," Dr. Saltz stated.

8. Finding Meaning and Guidance in Fever Dreams

Take your medication.

If you have a fever, one of the finest things you can do is take medication to alleviate it. The sooner you get rid of your fever, the sooner you can get rid of your fever nightmares.

Consume plenty of water.

When you have a fever, you become dehydrated, so drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This will assist in reducing the fever and, as a result, the fever dreams.

Take a hot bath.

A warm bath will help you break your fever. It can also help you relax if you've been feeling uneasy after having fever dreams.

Rest whenever possible.

Fever dreams can make sleeping more difficult than usual, so if you can, sleep whenever your body needs to. While napping all the time is not recommended under normal conditions, it is acceptable when unwell.

Before going to bed, keep an eye on what you consume.

When you have a fever and are concerned about fever dreams, the same rule applies as it does when you have a fever and are worried about fever dreams. Though you're probably not eating much due to your fever, you should still be mindful of how close to bedtime you eat, as certain foods can interfere with sleep.

9. Conclusion

Fever dreams are unique and intense experiences when our bodies fight off infections. These dreams can offer a glimpse into our subconscious and bring to light unresolved emotional issues. Individuals can find guidance and insight for their everyday lives by exploring the symbols and themes in fever dreams.

Although they can be unsettling, it is essential to remember that fever dreams are temporary and can ultimately contribute to personal growth and healing. Through self-reflection, professional guidance, and managing overall well-being, fever dreams can be experienced as an opportunity for self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Now that you’ve got an answer to why do fever dreams happen? Check out (DreamApp)[https://dreamapp.io/], a dream dictionary to decode the fever dreams meaning.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Why do fever dreams happen during illness?

Fever dreams occur due to the brain's altered state during a fever, leading to vivid and bizarre experiences influenced by illness-related stress and inflammation.

Are fever dreams harmful?

Fever dreams are generally harmless. They are a result of the body's natural response to illness and should subside as the fever resolves.

Can fever dreams be realistic?

Yes, fever dreams can feel incredibly realistic, blurring the line between imagination and reality due to the heightened brain activity during feverish conditions.

Do all illnesses cause fever dreams?

Fever dreams are commonly associated with infections and illnesses that raise body temperature. However, not everyone experiences them, as individual reactions may vary.

How can you manage fever dreams?

Rest and fever-reducing medications may help manage fever dreams. Addressing the underlying illness and maintaining hydration can lead to quicker recovery and fewer intense dreams.

Spiritual Meaning of Spiders in Dreams

Previous blog

Spiritual Meaning of Spiders in Dreams

Why Do We Dream? A Theory On How Dream Protects Our Brain?

Next blog

Why Do We Dream? A Theory On How Dream Protects Our Brain?

Did you have an unusual dream with this symbol?

Let's analyze this dream with our expert!

At least five words, please.

Lock

Your dreams are completely private

Take control of your dream emotions in the free mobile app

App StoreGoogle Play
Home Description

The most recent users' dreams

Go to the user dreams page

30 Oct 2024

dream-about-reuniting-with-an-ex-girlfriend
Abuse
Ex
Love
Future
Crying
Relationship

Dream

My ex girlfriend Raylene and I had reunited. When I saw her I went up to her and asked if she remembered me? After that she was rude toward me. Telling me to go away and to leave her and her boyfriend alone. When I saw her boyfriend he gave me a bad vibe. Tattoos all over his neck. I asked that dude if he was a convict. He admitted he was. Raylene started hugging him and all that. I asked her Really? Her boyfriend then started slapping her and chocking her. I asked Raylene “That’s what you want? A lowlife convict.” She told me “He can change.” I told her “Abusive people never change?” She then stopped being rude toward me. She grabbed my hand and we went outside to talk. I apologized for not being mature enough back in high school and that I would’ve done anything to plan a future for us. We then started talking about what’s been going on over the years. She was showing me pictures of her so called boyfriend. Seeing those pictures made me sick. I showed her pictures of my past visits to TX. We then talked about what should’ve been with us. She told me she dreamed about her and her boyfriend having kids. From the looks of her boyfriend I asked would he have treated them right? She said probably not. I said if we had kids our kids would’ve been awesome and raised right with parents who love and support each other. Her boyfriend came outside and asked if she was ready to leave. I stood up and told him she’s not going anywhere. After what she told me about you and how abusive you are I convinced her to leave you. After that Raylene grabbed the picture of them and ripped it apart and said they’re done. I told him you heard her pal now get lost. After he left Raylene and I talked about getting back together and making things work between us. She told me how much she missed me over the years even when she was with her abusive boyfriend. I told her that I would never put my hands on her that way. She told me I know you wouldn’t. She then grabbed me, I held her she was crying and apologized for how she acted when I first saw her with her boyfriend. While that was happening she also told me she should’ve left him a long time ago. I was comforting her and told her everything will be fine because I’m here and you’ll be mine once again. We looked in each other’s eyes and kissed for a long time. After dating for awhile we eventually got married and started having kids. I told Raylene I told you our kids are gonna be raised to be loved because they have parents who love each other.

30 Oct 2024

dream-about-driving-with-faceless-guy
Faceless person
Friend
Brother
Car
Building (Action)
Cop

Dream

I had a dream where I was in some random town with I'm guessing the faceless guy, he was driving to the park while I was in the passenger seat with my sister and we were just talking smiling together until I asked him "hey, are you even allowed to drive" he immediately said "shit.." and I started freaking out but not in a scared way, then we noticed a cop car in front of us and started freaking out and buckling our seatbelts. We passed by so we thought we were safe until the cop pulled over in front of us, immediately the faceless guy ran off and my sister disappeared, I got out of the truck and ran into my brothers, one of them just smiled and asked what was going on but I just walked away from him. I ended up in some random building which I was guessing was some random workplace, and I saw one of my friends sitting down and she called my name and some other random girl looked at me and asked if we knew each other and I walked up to my friend and greeted her and the random girl said "Williams" then I woke up

30 Oct 2024

Wedding
Jealousy
Love
Friend
Car
Party

Dream

The atmosphere was golden and very bright, everyone was happy for us, me and my crush were getting married, but when, the day came, she did some things I was sent okay with, but I just brushed them off and I barely even noticed them. But then it's like the dream restarted, and we had our marriage again, she went a bit too crazy this time, I remember seeing that she took her top off when someone was taking a picture of her and another man. so apparently I had a love rival who was my friend, he decided to run after me after I ran out the party, I ended up jumping into some bushes wanting to jump over a fence but thay didnt work. and then i go inside the wedding venue, to see someone's car getting stolen (inside the wedding venue). So me and this other girl break the car windows that the thief was trying to rob and we apprehend her. She looks scary and tries to run away, but I hit her head with a frying pan and she collases. I decide to put her in a pose on her belly, I sit on her legs and hold her arms out, this is the most effective pose to make a person not break free when apprehended. When she wakes, she gets out of my grip a little bit but she's still unable to run away. This wasent a part of the dream:A little backstory about me and my crush, so I remember her making me feel jealous once by talking about a guy, it seemed intentional but only because she wasn't sure if I liked her. The love rival kinda looked like him.

© 2024 Dreamapp Ltd

Follow us on Social:

Privacy PolicyEULADo not sell my personal information
Contact Us
Dream App

Dream App

Free dream interpretations

1213 Five Star Reviews

(1,213)

Install