Losing a loved one is something everyone goes through. People grieve in different ways—some cry, some withdraw, and others seem unaffected. But one common experience is dreaming about those who’ve passed away.
What Are Visitation Dreams?
Dreaming about the dead can feel incredibly real. Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara explains these as “dreams of the bereaved where the dead appear… and look to be very much alive.” He calls them visitation dreams. McNamara, who writes for Psychology Today, believes they help us heal from emotional pain. After dreaming of his own deceased parents, he wrote: “Now if I, an individual who studied dreams with a skeptical scientific cast of mind, could not shake the conviction that I had just communicated with my dead parents, how much stronger must be the conviction of someone with a less skeptical approach…?”
What the Research Says
A 2014 study in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that these dreams “occur frequently, can be highly meaningful and further healing from a loss.” Common themes include the dead appearing healthy or at peace and even sending messages. Another study in 2016 found that 67.1% of grieving individuals felt these dreams strengthened their belief in an afterlife, and 71% felt more connected to the deceased.
Key Traits of Visitation Dreams
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter outlines four main signs of a visitation dream:
- The dead appear as they did in life—often younger or healthier.
- They communicate reassurance, like saying they’re okay.
- Messages feel telepathic, not spoken.
- The dream feels calm and peaceful.
