Dreaming of falling: what it may mean, read three ways
What the dream is
In the dream you fall from a height, or the floor simply gives way, and your body jolts you awake. It is one of the most common dreams, and many people have had it since childhood.
What the old sayings say
The old sayings tie falling to losing standing or support, though some say waking from a fall means you are about to grow. Opinions differ, but most take it as a warning that your footing is not firm.
How depth psychology sees it
Depth psychology often reads falling as loss of control: something you can barely hold on to, or a long effort you want to let go of and fear to. A Jungian reader would ask whether by day you keep climbing and holding up, and the dream offers the other side: coming down.
How sleep science sees it
In sleep science, as you drop off, the muscles relax suddenly and the brain can mistake it for a fall, so you feel a drop and twitch. It is called a hypnic jerk and is very common. A longer dream with a story is more likely to do with recent stress or short sleep.
Ask yourself
- What has lately felt as if I am about to lose my grip?
- Have I been holding myself up and never allowed myself to let go?
- While falling, was I afraid, or secretly a little relieved?
- Have I slept enough, or had alcohol or a very late night?
Also
An occasional falling dream is nothing to worry about. If it wakes you every night and your sleep suffers, ask a doctor.
For the whole picture, read Common dreams: being chased, falling, exams, losing teeth, and what is going on; for what the three ways of looking are, see Freud and Jung: two ways of reading a dream.