Msgr. Rossetti

Response: It is very common for people to have bad dreams. There are many theories about why and what people dream.

One theory suggests that dreams are a way for the psyche to process the struggles and challenges of the day. So if there are things that are frightening or upsetting you, then your subsequent dreams may include frightening or upsetting images. Thus, dreams can be full of strong emotions and frightening images, especially when our lives contain fear, pain, powerlessness, and/or abuse. This does not mean they are demonic... On the other hand, demonic dreams are not actually dreams per se at all.

They are demonic attacks that occur to us while we are sleeping. These attacks tend to have a coherent plot to them rather than being a melange of images. They are typically intense encounters that the person vividly remembers upon waking. The actions of the suspected demons during the attack are typical of what demons do, e.g., attack, frighten, tempt. And the person feels demonically attacked or "slimed", similar to what the person would feel when fully awake and attacked. Oftentimes the person will quickly wake and then if he/she says a prayer, the demonic will leave ... Before going to bed, saying a prayer of protection and/or blessing one's bedroom is helpful.

Also, having sacred images in the bedroom such as a blessed crucifix is important. But most of all, trust in Jesus. Even in such a vulnerable state as being asleep, the Lord protects us. As the psalmist says: "I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Ps 4:9). [see Exorcist Diary #224]