Have you ever woke up feeling excited over a dream, but a few minutes later do not even remember what happened in the dream? We remember dreams in the first few minutes after we wake up, and then, they are gone probably forever because dreams are not kept in the long-term memory of our brains. Moreover, the dreams we remember are usually the ones that happened right before we wake up, during the REM sleep period. Since dreams are not held in our long-term memory of us, the latest seen ones have the highest chance to be remembered. Remembering dreams is beneficial for both our physical health since it reduces anxiety and improves motor skills and our mental health since it let us communicate with our subconscious. Do you want to improve your skills in dream recall? Here are some tips for you to apply to remember dreams:
Keep a Dream Journal
Keeping a dream journal is the most basic and maybe the most important method for remembering dreams. We remember dreams the best right after we wake up. So, the next time you wake up from a dream, let that sit in for a few seconds and write it down as detailed as possible. As you keep writing, you will remember more and more details. Turning dream journals into a habit will also allow you to remember dreams even more easily. The key point here is to close your eyes for a few seconds after you wake up to visualize your dream and, then, write it down. Otherwise, you will be distracted by the real world objects and elements, and forget about your dream.
Schedule Your Sleep
A disciplined sleep schedule, as annoying it seems, is very crucial for dream recall. When you sleep at a different hour every day, it will be harder for you to fall into a deep sleep, that is experiencing REM sleep. Scheduling a power-down hour before you fall asleep will let you get into the REM phase easier. First, your body will slow down step by step, then your mind will have the energy to put you into a night of quality sleep. Having a good sleep also enhances your chance to remember your dreams. The point in the power-down hour is to focus on sleeping. Therefore, you should not use your phone or any screen during that hour. Moreover, you should avoid loud noises. Complete darkness and quiet will make it easier for you to get into the REM phase. You could also consider meditation instead of a power-down hour. Besides, you should avoid eating anything before you get to bed.
Avoid Alcohol Before Bed
Alcohol serves as a depressant for the nervous system. You might be thinking you sleep easier after you drink alcoholic beverages because they make you more relaxed, but it disturbs your mind and body during sleep and affects your sleep quality greatly. Alcohol also leads to insomnia in further stages of use.