Dreaming of running late can be a troubling sign of health issue

28 July 2023 , 12:41

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If you're dreaming about lateness, it could mean something deeper (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)

There's nothing quite like getting ready to go off to the land of nod, spraying your lavender pillow spray, setting your phone to 'do not disturb' and reading a book to wind down. But as much control as you have over your waking hours routine, when you're getting Zzzs, things you didn't even realise were on your mind may come to fruition - and sometimes, dreams can be seriously stressful.

And if you've been dreaming about running late to somewhere recently, it could be because you've got a health issue that you haven't addressed as it can be easily overlooked.

If you've been dreaming about being late to work, to an interview, or an appointment, when you wake up, you can feel seriously stressed - and grateful that it was only a dream. But the dream that you keep having could have a deeper meaning you'll want to delve into, according to sleep experts at Dreams.

Likening the dream to Alice in Wonderland's The White Rabbit, the incarnation of the dream of being late, the experts suggest that it could mean you're suffering from anxiety.

They said: "Dreams about being late are, with broad agreement, acknowledged as anxiety dreams. They represent a significant level of worry or stress about something in the waking world." This doesn't necessarily mean that you're concerned in the real world about being late to an appointment, or work, though, as the dream is symbolic rather than descriptive.

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If you keep dreaming of being late, it can be concerning (Stock Image) (Getty Images)

The pros said: "Dreams about being late can indicate that the dreamer is suffering under a weight of expectation that they feel they're unable to live up to – whether in employment, from ourselves, or in relationships, the lateness represents an inability to reach the level expected of you."

It may also indicate that "you unconsciously believe that time is running out to make a decision", or you're worried about reaching certain life goals at a certain time. If you dream of being late to a specific event, such as an exam, wedding, or interview, it may suggest you're dealing with pressure from a "potentially life-changing moment."

If you find yourself late for travel in your dream, it can symbolise you're "worried about missing an opportunity", such as being able to move to a more senior position at work, or starting your own business. And if you're late for work in your sleeping hours, it can indicate "unhappiness in the work environment."

Dreams experts recommend that the dreamer "reflects and meditates" on their present circumstances to better understand how to "use their time in a healthy way."

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Danielle Kate Wroe