Consequences of severe covid-19 on the occurrence of dreams

Abstract

Introduction: Although the origin of dreams remains uncertain, their relationship with lived experiences appears consistent. In this context, the pandemic period, related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), produced abrupt and intense disruptions in daily life, which may have impacted the dreaming experience—a phenomenon supported by previous psychoanalytically oriented studies. Objective: To evaluate the impact of severe COVID-19 on patients’ dream experiences by collecting data on dream episodes reported before, during, and after hospitalization. Methods: This predominantly qualitative, cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews using a structured questionnaire. The study population included individuals aged 18 years or older who were hospitalized with severe or critical SARS-CoV-2 infection. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to summarize the objective responses. Results: A total of six interviews were completed. Among respondents, 66.6% reported persistence in dream frequency after hospital discharge, and 50% described an increase in positive dream content during hospitalization. All participants reported post-infection physical and psychological symptoms, including alopecia, anxiety, memory impairment, and depressive features. Half of the participants reported dream content with religious or spiritual elements, and 83.3% sought support from relatives or friends to interpret the meaning of these dreams. Narratives revealed recurrent emotions such as fear and loneliness during the acute phase. Discussion: The data suggest that dreams seem to express symbolic representations of the emotional trauma associated with severe COVID-19. The absence of negative dream content post-discharge may reflect psychological adjustment or relief following recovery. Although limited by a small sample size, the study provides preliminary insights into the neuropsychological and emotional repercussions of critical illness. Conclusion: The findings indicate that severe COVID-19 may influence the content and perception of dreams, particularly during the acute phase of illness. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to clarify these associations and to guide post-hospitalization mental health support strategies.