Terminally ill patients frequently report vivid and comforting dreams in their final days, often featuring deceased loved ones, bright light and symbolic imagery such as staircases and doorways, according to a study by researchers at Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia.
The findings, published in the journal Death Studies, are based on a survey of 239 palliative care professionals in Italy, including doctors, nurses, psychologists and hospice volunteers, who shared end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) recounted by patients.
Reunions and Symbolic Visions
The most common theme was reuniting with loved ones, with many patients saying a late spouse, parent, relative or even a beloved pet appeared to them. In one case, a woman dreamed of her dead husband telling her: 'I'm waiting for you.'
Others described more symbolic visions tied to crossing over, such as 'climbing barefoot toward an open door filled with light', while some spoke of stairways, thresholds and bright spaces. There were also surreal, almost cinematic images, like 'a white horse galloping along the shoreline'.
Comfort and Distress
While most patients felt 'comforted' or 'peaceful' as a result of what they saw, about one in 10 experienced distressing visions, including one report of a monster with the patient's mother's face dragging her down. The researchers suggested these darker experiences may 'indicate unmet clinical or emotional needs', from unresolved conflicts and traumatic memories to physical pain.
The scientists said ELDVs 'carry an important relational potential', allowing people to 'approach otherwise unspeakable topics through a symbolic mode of expression, bypassing the obstacles of rational language, which can instead trigger defensive reactions such as denial.'
Broader Context
Study leader Elisa Rabitti noted that ELDVs lack a 'clear cultural and clinical understanding', despite how often they appear to happen. The study supports previous research showing that dreams about deceased loved ones are common in the terminally ill and become more frequent as death approaches.
Christopher Kerr, lead author and chief medical officer at Hospice Buffalo in New York state, commented: 'What's really interesting is it's not random who comes to you – it's always those people who loved and secured you.' He added that ELDVs about 'preparing to go' were prevalent, with patients often describing dreams about packing or getting on a bus, and noted that veterans' end-of-life dreams often address the wounds or burdens they carry.
