Do you dream about your characters?
I certainly do.
My partner has told me more than once that color is central to getting the mind to relax before falling asleep. My partner imagines themself surrounded by calming colors. Pretty specific colors, too: the purple of cape myrtle.
I think of my characters and where they are and what’s surrounding them. I try to avoid looking to far forward in my contrived plot outline. Instead I let the events wander around in my head.
It’s comforting to think of these people and what they’re doing.