Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest challenges, and everyone processes grief differently. Many people, however, share a common experience: dreaming about loved ones who have passed. These dreams, known as visitation dreams, may carry deeper meanings that help with healing.

According to Patrick McNamara, a neurology and psychiatry professor at Boston University, these dreams are common during mourning. He explains that visitation dreams often show the deceased appearing alive and well, offering comfort and helping the dreamer cope with grief.

Research backs this up, with studies showing that dreams of the deceased can have meaningful impacts on healing. A 2014 study found that such dreams often feature peaceful, healthy depictions of the deceased, offering a sense of closure and peace. Additionally, many bereaved people report feeling more connected to their loved ones through these dreams.

Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter’s research further details how visitation dreams often feature the deceased looking healthy and young, offering messages of reassurance. For many, these dreams help them feel more at peace and connected to those they’ve lost. Have you experienced a dream like this? Share your thoughts in the comments!