Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences in life. The way we process grief varies from person to person – some cry, others become withdrawn, and some try to avoid the subject altogether. But there’s a common behavior that many share: dreaming of those who have passed away. Have you ever had a deceased loved one appear in your dreams? If so, you might be wondering if these dreams hold any significance.

According to Patrick McNamara, a neurologist and psychiatrist, dreams about dead people are known as visitation dreams. It’s as if the deceased person is visiting you and looking very much alive in your dream. McNamara, who has extensively studied dreams, believes that these visitation dreams have a logical explanation – they help us cope with grief and find solace in our loss.