Many people dream during sleep but forget their dreams shortly after waking. Forgetting a dream does not necessarily mean you did not dream. Dreams can fade from memory very quickly, especially when you immediately get up and start your day.
If you want to improve your ability to remember your dreams, try these five simple habits.
1. Stay Still When You Wake Up
Don’t immediately jump out of bed or start checking your phone. Keep your eyes closed for a moment and try to replay what was happening in your mind. Sleep experts recommend making dream recall one of the first things you think about after waking.
2. Write Down Every Detail You Remember
Keep a notebook or use a voice recorder beside your bed. Write down anything you can remember, even if it is only a person, place, colour, feeling or small scene. Dream memories can disappear quickly, so recording them immediately can help.
3. Set an Intention Before Sleeping
Before going to bed, tell yourself that you want to remember your dreams when you wake up. This simple intention is recommended as one approach to improving dream recall.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Getting adequate sleep gives you enough opportunity to pass through the normal sleep stages in which dreaming occurs. Adults generally need at least seven hours of sleep each day.
Sleep Foundation
5. Keep a Dream Journal Consistently
Don’t only record dreams when they are particularly interesting. Make it a regular habit. Over time, recording your dreams may help you notice recurring themes and improve your ability to remember them.
Final Thoughts
There is no guaranteed method for remembering every dream, and forgetting dreams is normal. However, staying still after waking, recording details immediately, setting an intention and maintaining good sleep habits may improve dream recall.
