Dreaming of a loved one who has passed away can be a powerful and emotional experience. For many, these dreams happen during the grieving process and may bring both comfort and curiosity. Experts call them “visitation dreams”—vivid dreams where the deceased appear alive and often communicate messages of peace. While grief shows up differently for everyone, such dreams can feel like a deep connection to the person who is no longer with us.
According to Dr. Patrick McNamara, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, visitation dreams are unique and often leave a strong impression. After having such dreams himself, he reflected on how real and meaningful they felt, even from a scientific point of view. He suggests that these dreams may help people process emotions and feel closer to their loved ones, whether or not they believe in spiritual explanations.
Research supports this idea. A 2014 study found that grief dreams often help with emotional healing by offering messages of comfort or showing the deceased as healthy and at peace. In another study, 70% of participants described their dreams as visitations, and many said the dreams reinforced their belief in an afterlife. These experiences can ease pain and give people a sense of continued connection.
Visitation dreams tend to be calm and leave the dreamer with a sense of peace. They may occur soon after a loss or even years later. Whether seen as spiritual moments or part of the mind’s way of healing, these dreams can be a source of comfort. Have you ever had one? Feel free to share your experience—it might help others on their journey through grief.