How to Remember Dreams

I know that many of you dream, but more than often you forget about those dreams! Here are some tips I found in the web to help you remember your dreams:

Illustration taken from http://nnayam.blogspot.com/

1. Maintain good, consistent sleep habits. Not getting enough sleep or going to bed ‘dog-tired’ can dramatically reduce natural dreaming activity.

2. When you go to bed tell yourself that you will remember your dreams. Repeat “I will remember my dreams” to yourself several times as you drift off to sleep. It sounds odd, but this tip has been shown again and again to be one of the most helpful.

3. Try to wake up slowly to remain within the ‘mood’ of your
last dream. Buy an alarm clock with a gentle wake setting (sometimes called a progressive wake).

4. Awake at least once during the night, many times this will occur around an REM sleep cycle. Set an alarm or drink a lot of water prior to bed to ensure you have to wake up at least once.

5. Think about, but do not dwell upon your mood/emotions as you drift off to sleep.

6. Avoid alcohol near bedtime. Alcohol reduces the frequency and density of REM sleep.

7. Keep a pad and pencil next to your bed so you can jot down quick notes about your dream if you awake during the night (you may not
remember it by morning) or as soon as you get up in the morning. Just
the process of writing things down may help you recall more information about your dreams.

8. Start a dream journal. Take your notes and recollections of you dreams and record your dreams in journal or story form.

9. Discuss your dreams with friends and family members. Just
articulating your dreams can help you remember additional details.

10. If you awake during the night, think about your previous dream as you
go back to sleep. This will help to reinforce the dream for improved dream
recall in the morning