Premonitory Dreams: What Are They and What Do They Mean?

Dreams have always generated mystery: sometimes they reflect emotions, desires and on certain occasions, they anticipate the future. These are called premonitory dreams, experiences in which the dream materializes on the physical plane.

Although science has not found evidence that dreams predict the future, there are psychological explanations that relate this phenomenon to selective memory, the association of events and the impact of stress on rest.

Premonitory dreams experience a situation that, later, occurs in reality. For example, dreaming about a friend who has not been seen for a long time and that a few days later one meets him on the street.These dreams usually awaken intense feelings such as fear, anguish or surprise, which causes them to remain engraved in the memory.

Premonitory dreams, also known as precognitive dreams, are those that seemingly predict future events. They are characterized by their clarity and vividness, often standing in stark contrast to regular dreams, which may be more abstract or foggy. In these dreams, individuals may experience specific details—such as emotions, conversations, and settings—that later correlate with real-life occurrences.

Many people report having premonitory dreams that later manifest in reality. For instance, individuals have recounted dreams about missing flights or losing personal belongings, only to find these scenarios unfolding shortly thereafter. Such experiences often lead dreamers to keep journals to document their dreams and track any correlations with real-life events

A realistic approach

Premonitory dreams, or precognitive dreams, have intrigued both the public and researchers for years. Various psychological theories attempt to explain why some individuals experience dreams that seem to predict future events. Here are some of the prominent theories:

1. Cognitive Theories: Cognitive theories suggest that the brain is highly adept at recognizing patterns and forecasting potential outcomes based on past experiences and current data. This ability may lead individuals to perceive connections between their dreams and future events, even if those connections are coincidental. The brain's natural tendency to seek patterns can result in the interpretation of dreams as precognitive when they align with real-life occurrences.

2. Selective Recall: This theory posits that individuals are more likely to remember dreams that accurately predict future events than those that do not. As a result, confirmed premonitory dreams are recalled more frequently, creating a bias that reinforces the belief in their predictive power. This selective recall can lead to an overestimation of the frequency of precognitive dreams, as people may dismiss or forget dreams that do not come true.

3. Tolerance for Ambiguity: Some researchers have identified a personality trait known as "tolerance for ambiguity," which refers to the ability to accept uncertain or unclear situations. Individuals with a high tolerance for ambiguity may be more inclined to interpret vague or ambiguous dreams as meaningful premonitions. This trait can enhance the likelihood of experiencing dreams that are later perceived as precognitive.

4. Paranormal Beliefs and Apophenia: Belief in the paranormal is another factor that influences the perception of premonitory dreams. People who are more suggestible or who have a tendency to find connections between unrelated events (a phenomenon known as apophenia) are more likely to report experiencing precognitive dreams. This suggests that certain personality characteristics can predispose individuals to interpret their dreams as prophetic.

5. Neurochemical Influences: Some theories explore the role of neurochemistry in dreaming. For instance, the brain's chemical environment during sleep, particularly during REM sleep, may influence the vividness and emotional impact of dreams. This neurochemical state could enhance the clarity of dreams, making them more memorable and potentially leading to interpretations of precognition.

6. The NEXTUP Theory: A more recent theory, known as the NEXTUP theory (Network Exploration to Understand Possibilities), suggests that dreams may serve as a cognitive tool for exploring potential future scenarios. This theory posits that dreaming allows individuals to simulate various outcomes based on their experiences and knowledge, which may sometimes align with actual future events.

Final thoughts

While the phenomenon of premonitory dreams remains largely anecdotal and lacks robust scientific validation, these psychological theories provide insight into the cognitive and emotional processes that may underlie the experience. Understanding these theories can help demystify the allure of premonitory dreams and offer a framework for interpreting their significance in our lives.