What Are Fever Dreams and Why Do They Happen?

Explore the world of fever dreams. Read this article to discover their characteristics, potential causes, and how to manage them.

Have you ever had a rude awakening from a strange and disturbing dream, soaked in sweat and feeling out of sorts? It's likely what’s known as a fever dream.

These dreams can be intense and unsettling, leaving you wondering what happened. (And who can blame you?) Let’s examine what this article covers in a nutshell below.

Key Takeaways

• A fever dream occurs when you are experiencing a high fever or sickness.

• While the exact cause is unknown, some studies suggest that increased body temperature affects the brain and sleep patterns, leading to fever dreams.

• There are ways to manage fever dreams, including treating the underlying cause of the fever, keeping hydrated and creating a comfortable sleeping space.

• Fever dreams are usually benign and subside when the fever resolves.

• Contact your healthcare provider if your fever dreams persist, become more severe or are accompanied by other worrying symptoms.

What is a Fever Dream?

A fever dream, also called a "febric" or "febrile" dream, occurs when you have a fever or illness.

According to the Sleep Foundation, “Fever dreams differ from other dreams in that they are often more vivid and unusual. Fever dreams also tend to feel more negative and involve fewer positive emotions than other recent non-fever dreams.⁽¹⁾”

What Are Common Characteristics of Fever Dreams?

So, how can you tell if your dream is a fever dream?

Here are some of their unique features:

• Fever dreams are extremely vivid and intense, with colors, sounds and sensations that feel almost tangible.

• Fever dreams frequently present odd and nonsensical situations that challenge conventional logic and common sense.

• Many fever dreams involve unsettling or frightening themes, like being trapped, pursued, or threatened.

• You might have a hard time differentiating your dream from reality, which usually causes you to feel disoriented and bewildered.

• Fever dreams also feature fewer social engagement instances than regular dreams.

A study published in Frontiers found that “Fever dreams were more bizarre and more negatively toned and included more references to health and temperature perception compared to ‘normal’ most recent dreams.⁽²⁾”

What Are the Causes and Science Behind Fever Dreams?

The jury is still out on the exact cause of fever dreams. However, experts suspect that the main cause of fever dreams may be the fever itself.

The link between elevated body temperature and disturbing dreams has been the subject of much scientific interest. When your body temperature increases because of an illness or infection, it can cause shifts in your brain's activity. These shifts disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in febrile dreams.

A fever can disturb the equilibrium of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are essential for sleep management and the dreaming process. Neuroscientist and sleep expert Chelsie Rohrscheib, Ph.D., told VeryWell Mind that exposure to higher temperatures can potentially affect the brain's neurochemistry, “causing dreams that are more intense, weird, or disturbing than usual.⁽³⁾”

Fever dreams are also more common during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. While most dreams take place during REM sleep, there is also a link to body temperature. Health says temperature regulation is less efficient during the REM sleep. So, a fever spike during this sleep stage can result in transitions between deep and light sleep, making it more likely for you to remember your dreams⁽⁴⁾.

What’s the Difference Between Fever Dreams and Night Terrors?

It’s a common misconception that fever dreams and night terrors are one and the same. They aren’t.

Night terrors, typically affecting children, are characterized by intense fear, panic, and disorientation during the deep stages of sleep. Unlike fever dreams, night terrors involve physical actions like screaming, violent movements, and faster breathing.

Fever dreams are also not to be confused with lucid dreaming. The latter isn’t linked to a fever. Also, unlike a fever dream, a lucid one isn’t always frightening with negative themes.  

How Does Fever Affect Sleep Patterns?

As we mentioned earlier, a fever can significantly mess with sleep patterns, resulting in interrupted and low-quality zzzs.

This disturbance contributes to weird dreams when sick. HowStuffWorks says, “These disruptions in sleep can result in fragmented and inconsistent sleep cycles, leading to more vivid and memorable dreams.⁽⁵⁾”

Also, your body's ability to regulate temperature becomes disrupted when you have a fever. This results in fluctuating temperatures during the night. These fluctuations disrupt your sleep patterns, causing more awakenings and difficulty getting deep and restful sleep.

Let’s not forget the physical discomfort that comes with a fever, too. Body aches, chills, and excessive sweating make it difficult to drift off and stay asleep. This lack of zzzs can make your dreams more vivid during the short bursts of sleep you manage to get.

What Are Psychological Interpretations of Fever Dream Meanings?

It’s true that fever dreams are largely a physical reaction to sickness. However, there may be a psychological aspect to them in terms of interpretation.

According to Healthnews, “Others believe that these dreams may serve as a manifestation of underlying emotions or anxieties related to the infection itself. Ultimately, the meaning of fever dreams is highly personal and may depend on an individual's unique experiences and circumstances.⁽⁶⁾”

Here are a couple of psychological interpretations of fever dream meanings:

• Vulnerability and Powerlessness: Fever dreams frequently feature scenarios where you feel confined or pursued. These themes may represent a sense of helplessness or a lack of control during illness.

• Inner Conflicts and Fears: The odd and disturbing quality of fever dreams might symbolize unresolved internal struggles, fears or anxieties that emerge when you’re physically vulnerable.

• Transformation and Healing: Some people view fever dreams as metaphorical manifestations of the body's efforts to recover. The unsettling aspects of the dream symbolize the battle against sickness.

• Suppressed Emotions: Fever-induced dreams might offer a glimpse into hidden feelings or buried thoughts that emerge when the mind is in an altered state due to fever.

How Do You Manage Fever Dreams?

Now that you know that fever dreams are a common reaction to sickness, it’s time to consider how to manage them.

First, treat your fever. Targeting the underlying cause, whether through medications or professional medical care, can help decrease your chances of having fever dreams.

Next, keep hydrated. Insufficient hydration can worsen fever symptoms and contribute to unsettling dreams. Drinking lots of fluids to maintain hydration and support your body's ability to regulate temperature.

Why not give relaxation techniques a go? Deep breathing exercises, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation can soothe the mind and enhance your sleep quality.

Never underestimate the power of a comfy and sleep-conducive environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to promote restful sleep and minimize awakenings.

An excellent sleep mask that blocks 100% of light will help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer. If your fever is due to a sinus or viral infection, add an air purifier to the mix. It’ll keep the air in your bedroom free of allergens that could worsen symptoms.

In addition to medications to treat your fever, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids for more restful sleep while you’re sick.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice for Fever Dreams?

Fever dreams are typically harmless. They’re a common consequence of being sick. However, consult a medical professional in these situations:

• If your temperature remains at 103°F (39.4°C) or higher for a prolonged period, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. This persistent high fever might signal a more severe underlying health issue.

• Consult your doctor if you’re suffering from severe dehydration. This condition can result in further complications and worsen the symptoms associated with fever dreams.

• If your fever dreams are accompanied by other symptoms like intense headaches, a rigid neck, or trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately.

• If you experience prolonged fever dreams that seriously disrupt your sleep routine, consult a healthcare professional to discuss possible treatment options.

Keep in mind that fever dreams are usually short-lived and subside as your fever goes down. Consult a healthcare professional to help you pinpoint and treat any root causes causing persistent or severe fever dreams.

Conclusion

Yep. Fever dreams can be downright unsettling, leaving you feeling confused and disoriented. Remember that they’re common and are a physical reaction to fever and sickness.

We hope this article helps you understand their characteristics and the science behind them so you can manage them better. Remember that fever dreams are typically benign and short-lived, so consult your doctor if they persist or are accompanied by worrisome signs.

Sources:  

(1) “What is a Fever Dream?” Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/fever-dream. Accessed 2 August 2024.

(2) “Fever Dreams: An Online Study.” Frontiers, www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00053/full. Accessed 2 August 2024.

(3) “What Does It Mean to Have a Fever Dream?” Verywell Mind, www.verywellmind.com/fever-dream-8629059. Accessed 2 August 2024.

(4) “What Is a Fever Dream?” Health, www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/what-is-a-fever-dream. Accessed 2 August 2024.

(5) “The Science Behind Fever Dreams.” HowStuffWorks, science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/extrasensory-perceptions/feve-dream-meaning.htm. Accessed 2 August 2024.

(6) “Why Do Fever Dreams Happen and Do They Have Meaning?” Healthnews, healthnews.com/sleep/sleep-science/why-do-fever-dreams-happen-and-do-they-have-meaning/. Accessed 2 August 2024.

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