One common dream most people experience is dreams about not being unable to breathe and although this is undoubtedly not a pleasant experience, a good number of people have gone through the horrors of at least one.
Breathing difficulties in dreams are a frequent reflection of problems in real life. These bizarre, frightening, and upsetting dreams attempt to help you concentrate on the areas of your life that need improvement. However, the typical explanation for nightmares in which you cannot breathe is that your soul is receiving a spiritual message.
If you wonder what these dreams mean, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll learn the underlying themes and possible interpretations for several dream scenarios of being unable to breathe.
Some General Interpretations of Dreams About Not Being Able to Breathe
In general, your inability to breathe in dreams signifies several things in your waking life. These dreams happen to notify your consciousness of some life implications. Here are some common interpretations.
1. Symbol of Tension, Exhaustion, and Anxiety
You might be unable to breathe in your dreams when you’re concerned, upset, or uptight about even the most routine aspect of your life. It might have to do with the excessive workload, your child’s academic progress, money problems, or other everyday concerns.
You may struggle with sleeping soundly at night because of something that irritates you during the day. Therefore, you must develop coping mechanisms because avoiding your obligations isn’t an option.
2. Your Subconscious Mind Calls for Your Attention
Your inner self is trying to get your attention right away if you frequently dream that you can’t breathe. This dream may have the answer to your troubles because you’re in a difficult scenario or on the wrong track. This dream prompts you to make specific life changes. Disregarding this dream may lead to numerous difficulties in life.
3. Symbol of Unresolved Trauma
Breathing difficulties in dreams can occasionally signify intense emotional trauma from the past. Though you haven’t recovered from it, you do your best to convince people that you are fine and capable of living a normal life. You’ll keep having these dreams if you don’t deal with your problems.
You could unpredictably explode at any time and create a commotion. So your subconscious wants you to be conscious of how you’re feeling, take care of yourself, and improve even as things remain stable.
4. Stress From Work or Relationships
Such dreams may also occur if you need help managing your obligations, other people’s needs, and your expectations. The enormous tasks you regularly manage cause you to feel suffocated. Because you believe your independence is in jeopardy, you might do anything to defend yourself.
The dream, however, advises deliberation before action. There are no workable answers to quitting your career or splitting up with your relationship.
5. An Underlying Health Issue
If you have breathing difficulties in your dreams, you may have sinus issues. Additionally, you may have obstructive sleep apnea if you experience breathing or respiratory problems while you sleep. Sleep apnea causes your breathing to become so shallow that you are unable to receive adequate rest.
This may result in some grave health issues, including cardiovascular problems or even death. If this is the case, get a specialist right once and start treating yourself.
What Do Dreams of Not Being Able to Breathe Mean in Different Scenarios?
The exact symbols and circumstances that each dream contains help to determine its significance. Here are some typical breathing-related nightmares and their interpretations.
1. Dream of Holding Your Breath and Not Being Able to Breathe
This type of dream may indicate that you are currently dealing with a challenging circumstance and are trying to find a solution. This dream indicates your readiness to give up one thing to obtain another. It could also mean your willingness to give up your comfort in pursuing a higher objective.
Alternatively, it suggests that you are a persistent person. Your tenacity prevents you from quitting easily, and as part of the arrangement, you had previously intended to make concessions in other areas of your life. Additionally, it might imply that your preconceived notions prevent you from knowing the truth.
2. Dream About Not Being Able to Breathe as a Result of Pain
This represents how something in your day-to-day life affects your confidence and sense of self. You attempt to conceal and even suppress your emotions despite them.
It’s possible that you’re upset or finding it difficult to deal with a loved one’s separation. Or perhaps you believe that nothing can be done to get your life back on track because it has gone awry.
Take a moment to relax and consider the causes of these emotions. Let go of anything that makes you feel horrible about yourself.
3. Dream About Failing to Catch Your Breath
This may indicate that you are feeling anxious and apprehensive. You must examine your life, do things slowly, and try to complete them. It might also bring to memory a time in the past when you both had these intense feelings.
Use the lessons learned back then in your current position by referring to them. You will arrive at your goal after that.
4. Dream About Struggling to Breathe
This breathing difficulty in your dream may indicate that you are experiencing extreme fear or other problems. Such a dream may suggest that you must battle continually, deal with your issues, and make every effort to survive. You have to break out from a stifling relationship or circumstance.
Alternatively, similar dreams may also signify the straightforward lesson that life is full of never-ending battles and that the key to the fittest surviving is to engage in perpetual combat.
5. Dream About Not Being Able to Breathe Due to Smoke
This may indicate that you are highly dependent on someone. It would be helpful if you try to be as self-reliant and autonomous as possible. If the smoke looks like a smokescreen, it could mean that you’re keeping something—or yourself—from people you know to be true. You are most likely afraid that if people find out the truth about you, they won’t like you.
6. Dream About Your Loved One Not Being Able to Breathe
It is unsettling to imagine a loved one—such as a spouse, parent, or child—not being able to breathe. But the dream implies nothing profound, and your loved one is secure. This dream merely suggests that you constantly worry about a loved one. In this way, your problems are translated into your dreams.
7. Dream About Being Unable to Breathe for a Short While
This dream may indicate that people will soon recognize you for an excellent job. It also advises you to appreciate and embrace your life while you still have it. If you find yourself working nonstop, it’s time to start putting your workaholic tendencies to rest and focus on spending time with your loved ones.
This can also indicate that your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. Your tendency to focus on your work will help you solve your challenges and earn promotions, incentives, or accolades.
8. Dream About Someone Choking or Strangling You
When you experience the sensation of being choked in a dream and feeling as though you are unable to breathe, it may be a warning sign that someone in your life has considerable control over you. Although they make you feel subdued and defeated, you’re unable to revolt against them. This could be a parent, a spouse, or a boss.
You desire to escape but lack the ability or strength to do so. Therefore, it would be best to exercise caution whenever you are around such a person. Consider your options carefully before acting in this circumstance.
9. Dream About Not Being Able to Breathe Underwater
This may be a sign that you are battling for something that isn’t coming your way. It is also a signal to take positive action to alter your current circumstances. To get advice about your problems, ask around. Consider speaking with a marriage therapist or relationship coach on relationship issues.
You may need to look around for an expert in health-related topics or tell a colleague you can trust if it concerns your professional life. However, If someone pushes you underwater, it’s a sign of a new chapter in your life.
10. Dream of Attempting to Catch Your Breath and Not Being Able to Breathe
This can indicate that you are feeling worried and tense. It may also be a warning to examine your life, proceed more slowly while accomplishing anything, and make every effort to finish what you are starting.
11. Other People Having Dreams of You Not Being Able to Breathe
A loved one having dreams of you could be a sign that you’re too focused on your own life, and this self-absorbed approach to life is beginning to affect your relationships. You need to be more involved in the lives of those around you and build healthy relationships.
Final Thoughts
Dreams about being unable to breathe might be frightening, so it’s important to pay close attention to what you see to ensure you can correctly understand the dream.
In some situations, these dreams might be beneficial. Therefore, you should have adequate insight into what they indicate. Always act morally and refrain from doing anything that can endanger your life.