Global nightmares: What the world is having dreams about and what they mean

Italians have a unique fear of food, whilst Germans have nightmares about driving 

·       Discover the true meanings behind the world’s nightmares 

Americans have nightmares about playing the tuba, whilst Italians have a night-time fear of food, a new study into the world’s bad dreams and their meanings has revealed. 

With a massive 85% of adults experiencing nightmares, experts at Happy Beds have delved deeper into what these might mean. Analysing Google search data, some of the most unique nightmares across the globe have been discovered.  

While common nightmares worldwide feature zombies, snakes, spiders and teeth falling out, some interesting differences exist. Common nightmares for Brits include being kidnapped, witches and ghosts, with more unusual scary dreams featuring the end of the world, work and bees. 

Here are nine of the most unique nightmares found across the world, and their meanings: 

1.     UK – Bees   

One of the most unique bad dreams people in the UK are searching for is bees.  

Bee dreams commonly represent your social life, meaning nightmares about bees can symbolise social anxieties or a feeling of not fitting in. 

2.     USA – Playing the tuba 

There were several unique nightmare searches in the US, including visiting the eye doctor and toes falling off. 

One of the most unusual nightmare searches is playing the tuba. Playing an instrument in a dream is related to attention, so if the tuba appears in a negative dream or nightmare, it can signal unwanted attention. 

3.     Australia – Tornados 

Nightmares in Australia reflect the eco-system, with bugs, snakes and the weather appearing in many searches.  

One common nightmare searched for by Australians is tornados. This dream can mean the person is feeling stressed or overwhelmed. 

4.     Germany – Driving 

A unique nightmare searched for by people in Germany is travelling, or more specifically driving.  

Driving dreams often represent life’s journey. Those suffering from nightmares about being behind the wheel could be worried about their sense of control or the direction they’re heading in life. 

5.     France – FaceTime 

Those settling down to sleep in France are searching for an unusual nightmare – FaceTime. Dreaming about phones usually reflects connections with other people.  

A nightmare about FaceTime can represent anxieties about connecting with others or a fear of losing touch with important people. 

6.     Italy – Food 

Italians have an unusual, unique night-time fear that they’re searching for the meaning of –food.  

Dreaming about food usually represents the dreamer’s lifestyle, meaning food appearing in a nightmare can signify anxiety around lifestyle or social and personal relationships. 

7.     Spain – Monsters 

Nightmares about monsters are more common in children but have also been found searched for by adults in Spain.  

Nightmares about monsters in adulthood are often sparked by unsettling imagery seen in waking life. However, monster nightmares can sometimes represent larger religious or cultural fears. 

8.     Vietnam – Ex-lovers 

One of the most unique dreams those in Vietnam are searching for is ex-lovers. Dreaming about an ex doesn’t necessarily mean you miss them or the relationship. Instead, nightmares about exes tend to represent the dreamer’s unresolved issues or emotions from the relationship, or from that point in their life. 

9.     Netherlands – Work 

Those in the Netherlands are searching for the meaning behind nightmares about work. Nightmares about work often mean something in the working day is causing the dreamer stress – perhaps an unfinished job or a big deadline.  

However, many dreams and nightmares are simply the brain processing the day’s events. For those who spend much of their waking life at work, it’s natural to see it pop up in dreams – pleasant or otherwise! 

Rex Isap, CEO at Happy Beds, commented: 

“Many adult fears and nightmares develop from childhood; a fear of monsters, for example, can evolve into a fear of the dark, burglars, or being chased. These anxieties can cause nightmares throughout adulthood, limiting the hours of healthy, deep sleep you get. Daily relaxation practice, consistent bedtime routines, and a comfortable bedroom setup can all help reduce bad dreams. Still, it’s important to remember that most dreams are just your brain processing feelings from your waking life and are no reason to worry.”