How To Remember Your Dreams
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By Robin Westen
Most of us wake after a compelling dream with shadowy feeling there was deeper meaning behind our nocturnal wanderings. But how do we unlock its message? The first step is to remember everything we can. But it’s estimated only between 3 to 10 percent of people can actually recall their dreams regularly. The rest of us? Not so much. If you want to remember your dreams, here’s how to do it: -
Keep Writing Material Within Reach
Place a journal dedicated to your dreams on your night table beside your bed. Also keep several pens and a flashlight right beside it. Date your dream journal entry before you fall asleep each night. This helps produce an expectation that you’ll remember your dreams. When you wake up, include all sensory impressions that come to mind: colors, images, sounds, tastes, people's expressions, settings, feelings, and emotions. Even though you are groggy and tired when waking, it's worth it to write as much as you can before you forget. -
Think About Setting Your Alarm
This definitely isn't for everybody, but if you've been having a series of dreams about the same subject and want to remember more of them, you might want to wake at a specified point during the night. If you are worried about waking a partner, then drinking several large glasses of water prior to bed may be another way to assure you will awaken. -
Have a Smart Sleep Routine
This means starting your night of sleep in the same position every night, as well as going to bed and waking at the same time. Don’t eat a heavy meal before bed because it will interfere with your sleep cycle and your ability to remember your dreams. -
Wake with Questions
Upon waking, gently probe your mind and pay attention to bodily sensations. If you don't immediately remember your dreams, stay with a feeling and follow it by asking the feeling to be amplified. If you're in a different physical position than you were while dreaming, try shifting your body back into that position. -
Try Dietary Supplements
Lecithin and/or Melatonin may promote your ability to remember dreams. Consult with your health care provider before starting any dietary-supplement program.
To comment, click here. About the Author
Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."
