Intense ‘ Pandemic Dreams ’ Disrupt Nation ’ s Sleep During Coronavirus Outbreak

(CBS Local) — Americans stressed out by the coronavirus outbreak are finding out that sleep is not necessarily a time for relaxation or peace of mind. Many people are taking to social media to comment on the phenomenon known as “pandemic dreams.” In my dream, I called an Uber, but a hearse showed up instead. Not liking these #pandemicdreams — Sarah Schachner (@SarahSchachner) March 23, 2020 They are reporting vivid, often strange and sometimes terrifying dreams involving fear of death, threats against loved ones and anxiety associated with self-quarantining. Stay-at-home orders are forcing millions into isolation for weeks, store shelves are empty due to hoarding and employers are laying people off due to lack of customers. Experts say the main function of dreams is to process emotions, which for many people have been more intense during the pandemic. Last night I dreamed both my daughters again were children & locked in hotel room in a skyscraper by someone who wished them harm. In terror I snuck them out of there and I set them up in a secret tent in a little green park near the sea. #pandemicdreams — Dr. Elizabeth Sawin (@bethsawin) March 11, 2020 “The majority of dreams have anxiety as the main emotion,” Deirdre Barrett, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School’s psychiatry department told The Cut. Barrett, author of “The Committee of Sleep: How Artists, Scientists, and Athletes Use Th...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Offbeat Coronavirus Local TV talkers Source Type: news