Learn What Your Work Dreams Mean to Turn Your Stress into Success

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor

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Though the science behind this topic isn’t certain, we’re learning more about why we dream. As we sleep, our brains process the day’s information and store it into long-term memory. Our minds use the restful period to draw connections between things we learned and things we already knew, making sleep essential for learning, creativity, and productivity.

However, this doesn’t mean that your dreams will always make sense. Often, they do not. If you find yourself waking from the same dream about giving a presentation you’re unprepared for, or showing up to work missing a few items of clothing, you may be wondering — why?

With most of our waking hours spent at work, your brain has a lot to process. Whether you’re having stress dreams, task dreams, or just plain weird dreams — most of us have had a dream about the office.

Is Dreaming about Work Normal?

Yes, dreaming about work is normal. Since so much of our dreams are based on our day-to-day, it’s no surprise that 50–80% of people report dreaming about work at one point or another.

These dreams may offer valuable insights into what you truly want, and how you can improve. With some reflection on your dreams, you may realize the source of significant ones. The people who appear often may represent some attribute to your subconscious, and the things that you do and experience are expressions of how you’re feeling and what you want more of in your life.

Why is Understanding Your Work Dreams Important?

Understanding what lies at the heart of your work stress dreams can help you perform better, embark on a more fulfilling career journey, and get a better night’s rest. For help determining what your work dreams mean, check out our infographic below:

Sources:

Jill Zwarensteyn

Editor

About Author

Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.

Combination Sleeper