![\"Human](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-1478842662.jpg\")
\n\t\tMany reported seeing a light or staircase (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tMany reported seeing a light or staircase (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Seeing dead loved ones, white light and open doors are among the most common dreams people have shortly before death<\/a>, a study has revealed.<\/p>\n Researchers at Azienda USL\u2013IRCCS di Reggio Emilia found terminally ill patients often report vivid dreams and visions in their final days<\/a> \u2013 and that many of them are comforting rather than frightening.<\/p>\n A survey of 239 palliative care professionals in Italy<\/a> found patients commonly spoke about being reunited with relatives who had died, or seeing symbolic images such as staircases, bright light and doorways.<\/p>\n The study, published in the journal, Death Studies<\/a>, looked at end\u2011of\u2011life<\/a> dreams and visions (ELDVs) shared with doctors, nurses, psychologists and hospice volunteers.<\/p>\n The most common theme across these \u2013 some of which occurred while people were awake \u2013 was reuniting with loved ones<\/a>, with many saying a late spouse, parent, relative or even a beloved pet appeared to them. <\/p>\n In one case, a woman dreamed of her dead husband telling her: \u2018I\u2019m waiting for you.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t Others reported more symbolic visions tied to crossing over<\/a> or moving from one state to another, such as \u2018climbing barefoot toward an open door filled with light\u2019, while others spoke of stairways, thresholds and bright spaces.<\/p>\n There were also more surreal, almost cinematic images, like \u2018a white horse galloping along the shoreline\u2019.<\/p>\n The scientists said these ELDVs \u2018carry an important relational potential\u2019, allowing people to \u2018approach otherwise unspeakable topics through a symbolic mode of expression, bypassing the obstacles of rational language, which can instead trigger defensive reactions such as denial.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tAsk Metro<\/p>\n Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about \u2013 powered by Metro and trusted publications.<\/p>\n In other words, they may help patients work through fears and hopes around dying, and come to terms with their situation in a way conversation can\u2019t.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\tHow do you feel about the findings that people experience vivid and often comforting dreams before death?<\/p>\n Comforted, it feels reassuring.Check<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Intrigued, it’s very interesting.Check<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Skeptical, I need more evidence to believe this.Check<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Scared about what it means for me.Check<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \t\t\t\t\tSign up to Metro’s The Slice newsletter for your guide to what’s on in London, with trusted reviews, offers and giveaways.<\/p>\n But while most were said to feel \u2018comforted\u2019 or \u2018peaceful\u2019 as a result of what they saw, not all the visions were soothing.<\/p>\n About one in 10 were distressing, including one report of a monster with the patient\u2019s mother\u2019s face dragging her down.<\/p>\n According to the researchers, these darker experiences may \u2018indicate unmet clinical or emotional needs\u2019, from unresolved conflicts<\/a> and traumatic memories to physical pain. <\/p>\n Still, study leader Elisa Rabitti said the ELDVs lack a \u2018clear cultural and clinical understanding\u2019, despite how often they appear to happen.<\/p>\n \t\t This study bolsters the findings of previous research showing that dreams about deceased loved ones are common in the terminally ill, and\u00a0become more frequent as death approaches.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s really interesting is it\u2019s not random who comes to you \u2013 it\u2019s always those people who loved\u00a0and secured you,\u2019 commented Christopher Kerr, lead author and chief medical officer\u00a0at Hospice Buffalo in New York state.<\/p>\n ELDVs about \u2018preparing to go\u2019 were prevalent too, with Kerr noting: \u2018Patients often describe dreams about packing or getting on a bus.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ve also had lots\u00a0of veterans, and whatever wounds or burdens they\u2019re carrying are often addressed in their end-of-life dreams,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n This article was originally published in April 2026, and has since been updated.<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you have a story you\u2019d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk<\/strong><\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-1810941394.jpg\")
\n\t\tOver 200 palliative care professionals were surveyed (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n\n
![\"Nurse](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-1071474226.jpg\")
\n\t\tELDVs can occur while awake or asleep (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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