Dreams and Dream Recall: A Guide to Remembering Your Dreams

"Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you." – Marsha Norman

We all dream several times a night, and it's been suggested that we each experience 100,000 dreams over the course of our lives. So you might wonder why you can't remember a single one. Medications, alcohol, too little sleep, and anxiety about the content of our dreams can all block dream recall.

Boosting Dream Recall

We're most likely to remember the dreams closest to awakening, but with some effort, you can boost your dream recall. In fact, the more attention you pay to your dreams—by thinking about them, writing them down, and working with them—the more likely you are to remember them. One of the best ways to enhance dream recall is to keep a notepad and a pen beside your bed and record your dreams immediately upon waking.

Capturing Dreams Before They Fade

Some dreams fade quickly from memory, so it's crucial to capture them as soon as possible. Immediately on waking, write down your dream—even if it's the middle of the night. Don’t wait until your alarm clock goes off, as you might forget the dream entirely by then. Recording your dreams in words creates permanent reminders that you can later analyze for deeper meaning.

Keeping a Dream Diary

Later in the day, transfer the information to a dream diary specifically set aside for your dreams. In this diary, include:

• The date of your dream
• Any people involved
• The moods and feelings expressed
• Prominent colors, numbers, or shapes
• The problems or conflicts encountered
• Symbols or stories
• Information about the dream landscape
• Whether it was past, present, or future
• How the dream ended

With practice, you will get the hang of remembering and writing down your dreams. Use this encyclopedia to help you unlock the meaning of your dream themes and symbols, but never forget that the best book about dreams you will ever read is the one you write yourself: your dream journal.

Programming Your Mind for Dream Recall

Some dreams are so vivid you can't forget them, while others are so fleeting that they can vanish without a trace. To improve dream recall, you can program your mind using positive reinforcement. Before going to sleep, tell yourself that you will remember your dreams upon waking. Try the following visualization technique.

Visualization Technique for Dream Recall

When you feel sleepy, turn off the lights and settle into your favorite sleeping position. In a relaxed state, think about your dreams. Breathe in for a count of five, and out for a count of ten. Repeat this, and then resume normal breathing. Now, imagine that you have just woken up in the morning, and as you slowly return to consciousness, you reach for your pen and write down your dream. Bring your attention to the present again, feeling comfortable, warm, and sleepy. Tell yourself that in the morning you will remember your dreams.