Temperature perception in dreams: Analysis of a long dream series

Abstract

The present study analyzed the frequency of temperature perception in a long dream series (N = 10,535 dreams) reported by a single participant. Overall, about 0.67% of the dreams of the series included references to temperature with cold sensations outweighing sensations of warmth. The data suggest that the temperature perceptions are not the product of external stimuli but might relate to waking life, e.g., in this case to worries about one’s health. It would be very interesting to study dreamers in different climates.