Have you ever jolted awake in the middle of the night, heart pounding, after dreaming you were plummeting off a cliff or tumbling into the abyss?
If so, you’re in good company. The classic ‘falling dream’ is one of the most common dream experiences, and it’s left many of us scratching our heads (and checking our bedsheets) in the morning.
But what’s really going on when we take a midnight nosedive in dreamland? Is it just our brain’s way of keeping us on our toes, or could there be a deeper message lurking beneath the surface?
Let’s take a closer look at what these dreams might be trying to tell us—and why paying attention could be more important than you think.
The bridge between worlds: What dreams reveal
According to psychoanalytic psychotherapist Debbie Ford, dreams are ‘like a bridge between our conscious and unconscious world’.
In other words, they’re not just random mental movies, but potential signposts pointing to our hidden worries, desires, and even warnings from our deeper selves.
Ford believes that by unpacking our dreams, we can tap into insights about our emotional state, our beliefs, and the things we might be ignoring in our waking lives.
And while every dream is unique to the dreamer, there are some common themes that pop up for many of us—falling, working, and even revisiting people from our past.
Falling dreams: A reality check from your subconscious
So, what’s the deal with falling dreams? Ford says these can have ‘lots of meanings’, but often, they’re a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge from your subconscious to slow down and get grounded.
‘Sometimes a falling dream can mean that maybe we’ve been flying too high,’ Ford explains.
Maybe you’ve been feeling a bit invincible, taking on too much, or letting your ego run the show. The dream is your mind’s way of saying, ‘Steady on, mate—time to come back down to earth.’
Falling dreams can also be a warning sign that you’re living life in the fast lane—juggling too many priorities, burning the candle at both ends, or letting work stress get the better of you.
If you’re feeling out of balance, your dreams might be urging you to slow down, practice mindfulness, and reassess your priorities before you hit the metaphorical ground.
Work dreams: When the office follows you home
Ever clocked off for the day, only to find yourself back at your desk in your dreams? You’re not alone.
Work dreams are another common theme, especially for those of us who struggle to switch off after hours.
Ford says that dreaming about work can be a sign that ‘not enough balance’ exists in your life.
Maybe too much of your energy is being poured into your job, leaving little left for relaxation, relationships, or self-care.
While it’s normal to process the day’s events in your sleep, if work dreams become a nightly occurrence, it might be time to ask yourself if you’re truly happy with your work-life balance.
If you’re feeling stressed, overworked, or caught up in workplace conflict, your dreams could be nudging you to make some changes—whether that’s setting firmer boundaries, seeking support, or even considering a new direction.
Dreaming of people from your past: Ghosts with a message
What about those dreams where an old friend, a long-lost relative, or even an ex-partner makes a surprise appearance? It can be confusing—especially if you haven’t thought about them in years.
Ford reassures us that dreaming of someone from your past doesn’t necessarily mean you want them back in your life.
Instead, it’s often your subconscious processing old emotions, unresolved grief, or simply revisiting a chapter of your life that still holds meaning.
‘Our subconscious has no time. Everything’s just thrown all in there,’ Ford says.
So don’t be surprised if a face from decades ago pops up in your dreams—it’s just your mind’s way of working through unfinished business or letting go of lingering feelings.
Why your dreams matter—and how to listen
Ford encourages us to see dreams as messages from the subconscious, offering valuable clues about our emotional wellbeing.
Taking a moment to reflect on your dreams can help you spot patterns, identify areas of stress or imbalance, and even inspire positive changes in your life.
In fact, Ford has seen many clients make significant life changes—ending relationships, moving house, or switching careers—after unpacking the messages hidden in their dreams.
‘It’s usually metaphor. It’s usually a story that resonates with us and the dream will wake us up and go, get this, get this message, which is awesome,’ she says.
Your turn: What are your dreams telling you?
Dreams can often leave us with more questions than answers, but taking a moment to reflect on their possible meanings may offer helpful insight into what’s going on beneath the surface.
While interpretations can vary widely depending on personal experiences, they can also serve as gentle reminders to check in with ourselves and how we’re coping with daily life.
Sweet dreams—and don’t forget to keep your feet on the ground (at least while you’re awake)
Have you ever had a dream that made you stop and think? Perhaps you’ve experienced a falling dream or dreamt of someone from the past—what did it make you feel? Do you think your dreams reflect your current state of mind, or are they just random images? We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your experiences or interpretations in the comments below.
Also read: Think dreams are nonsense? Expert decodes common meanings
