There’s no denying COVID-19 has caused upheaval to many of our lives. Everything that was familiar before or secure has gone, and no one has been left untouched by its presence. People have seen family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues become unwell and maybe pass away. They may themselves have become ill for a time.

Some businesses have been compelled to close, leaving staff and owners possibly without an income, career or business to return to. Schools are only opening for the children of essential workers or vulnerable children, meaning that most parents have to tutor, feed and manage their children from home while possibly trying to work still. Flourishing high streets have become ghost towns as we’re commanded to stay home and only leave the house for essential reasons.

While this shift of pace has brought with it the opportunity to reevaluate our lives and our priorities, the general fear and uncertainty have caused disruption to numerous people’s sleep patterns.

Dreams allow our unconscious minds to process what’s going on each day, to review and sometimes revise our perspective as a consequence. You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, ‘sleep on it and see how you feel in the morning’, meant to deter us from making any rash or hasty decisions. And yes, often after a good night’s sleep a new way of thinking or feeling often does emerge.

But when it’s not just us who’s affected, when the news channels are saturated with statistics and instructions, and we’re in uncharted waters. It’s understandable if these unsettling times cause weird dreams.

Someone shared an unusual dream where people were walking in line, keeping a significant length apart, with no one looking at each other. While this is very common during COVID-19, it also references how detached we’re shifting from each other. People are social-distancing, keeping themselves apart. Many people are seeing each other, observing what customers in shops or their neighbours are doing, becoming suspicious or irritated at how others should, must or ought to behave. There’s minimal eye contact made in these situations.

Our dreams allow our unconscious minds to work through issues and concerns in an attempt to reinstate some resemblance of control back into our lives. And so they may include unique resources, where we’re leaping, flying, or jumping from one place to another, or perhaps feature a monster, mythical creature or celebrity who introduces special qualities and abilities.

Ways to support better quality sleep if you’re experiencing weird dreams;

During this constrained time of change, our diet and drinking habits may be very different. If we’re getting up later in the day, we may be skipping breakfast or combining breakfast and lunch, having brunch, rather than grabbing a sandwich and eating on the go. Our coffee habits may be different, and alcohol sales have increased during these times. These sudden changes affect our metabolic rate and change our sleep and dream patterns.

Establish a new daily routine. 

Getting up at the same time, showering, getting dressed, maybe working, exercising, taking regular meals all introduce order into your life and help you to feel more in control.

Exercise, especially in the fresh air, is essential in relieving stress and supports better sleep and dreaming.

Being exercised mentally and physically allows us to tire and feel ready for sleep. If you’re unable to walk maybe spend time in your garden or perhaps use one of the many free online exercise classes which offer something for all abilities.

Be vigilant about diet, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Use this time to perfect your cooking abilities or start baking from scratch, maybe involving other family members too. Avoid the temptation to start drinking alcohol earlier each day, or consuming too much coffee.

Ration your time watching the news or on social media.

Nothing significant is likely to have happened in the last hour, so avoid continually checking for updates. Let yourself be distracted by other, more positive activities.

Count your blessings.

Yes, there’s much to be upset about, but worrying won’t change that. Focus on what you do have; discover benefits, gratitude and smiles throughout each day and notice your stress levels gradually lessen.

Allocate time for working and being productive.

Set up a workstation and designate specific hours for work or study. Why not commit to learning a new skill, a foreign language, practising a musical instrument, reading or craftwork. Treat this as necessary me time.

Keep in contact with others. 

A phone call or online group can be a pleasant way to share advice or discuss how you’re feeling and coping, especially if you’re alone. Maybe send a ‘thinking of you’ card to someone who’s on their own. And many business owners are finding that by being more flexible they’re able to keep in touch with customers and continue trading to some extent.

Record your successes and achievements each day and have treats.

A leisurely bath, reading or pamper session are essential ways to relax, manage stress and invest in a good night’s sleep.

COVID-19 is an unprecedented time.

Be gentle with yourself and gradually achieve a more positive mindset. Doing this supports a better night’s sleep, with consequently fewer weird dreams.