From teeth falling out to being trapped, the shocking truth behind your most common nightmares

WAKING up drenched in sweat after a scary dream is a nightly reality for millions. But what does it mean when you are being chased through the streets, standing stark naked in front of a crowd or plummeting from a great height in your sleep? Waking up drenched in sweat after a scary dream is a nightly reality for millions Credit: Shutterstock Bestselling dreams expert Theresa Cheung lifts the lid on our darkest night terrors in Extreme Dreaming, revealing why they happen Credit: Unknown Bestselling dreams expert Theresa Cheung lifts the lid on our darkest night terrors in Extreme Dreaming, revealing why they happen. “Nightmares have long held a haunting power over us,” says Theresa. From teeth falling out to being in car crashes, here are the top seven nightmares and their meanings and what they are telling you. CUT TO THE CHASE Being chased in nightmares means you are running from something that makes you feel vulnerable Credit: Getty BEING chased in nightmares means you are running from something that makes you feel vulnerable — an emotion, memory, truth or even your own potential. Ask yourself: “What feels too overwhelming to face?” Imagine what would happen if you stopped running. Often, the threat reveals a message or unmet need. These dreams call for courage, not escape. FALLING FOR IT Falling in dreams is the mind’s way of expressing panic, lack of control, feeling unsupported or sudden instability Credit: Getty FALLING in dreams is the mind’s way of expressing panic, lack of control, feeling unsupported or sudden instability. You may be in emotional freefall or feel you are losing your balance. Think about where you feel unsupported or out of your depth? Instead of bracing for certain impact, pause. Breathe. Focus on grounding and being mindful in the present. These dreams are not about an inevitable crash. They are a sign to go with the flow. TEETHING TROUBLE Dreams that your teeth are shattering, crumbling or falling out are often linked to the fear of losing face or fears about your appearance Credit: Getty DREAMS that your teeth are shattering, crumbling or falling out are often linked to the fear of losing face or fears about your appearance. These may arise when you feel you cannot speak your truth or are under pressure to maintain an image. There is a vulnerability here — your identity, confidence or control is under threat. These dreams signal renewal. Let what is false or no longer in your best interests go. Assert yourself. GETTING NAKED To stand naked and exposed in front of others in a dream is a primal nightmare Credit: Getty TO stand naked and exposed in front of others in a dream is a primal nightmare. You are stripped of protection, dignity and safety and seen in all the ways you fear being judged and rejected. Ask, “Why am I terrified of being myself? What or who is making me feel vulnerable and exposed?”. The fear fades as you stop hiding and realise most folk are thinking of themselves, not you. OFFICE HORRORS Dreams of being fired or collapsing under work pressure reveal a fear of identity burnout Credit: Getty DREAMS of being fired or collapsing under work pressure reveal a fear of identity burnout. You are becoming a machine for productivity, not a human with purpose. Are you taking on too much? Rest is not optional, it is lifesaving. Remember, on their deathbed, nobody wishes they had spent more time at the office. CAR CRASHES Crash and accident themes in dreams signal life feeling out of control emotionally, mentally or even physically Credit: Getty CRASH and accident themes in dreams signal life feeling out of control emotionally, mentally or even physically. You might be speeding towards burnout, ignoring red lights or letting someone else drive you into the ground. Slow down. Reflect before reacting. Realign with your values and path. The dream is not a premonition — it is a red flag. Whether you are the driver or passenger matters: are you in charge of the direction of your life or handing over the wheel? DEATH Themes such as funerals, graves and coffins represent not an ending but a transformation Credit: Getty THEMES such as funerals, graves and coffins represent not an ending but a transformation. Something old — an identity, relationship or habit — is being released so that something new can grow. Let yourself grieve. Letting go can be sublime. Just look at the beauty of autumn leaves. This is an edited extract from Extreme Dreaming: Decode Your Nightmares & Awaken Your Wisdom Within by Theresa Cheung (Octopus, £16.99).