Tips to Increase Dream Recall


Intention

Be clear in your intentions towards your dreams. Write them down and review them before going to bed, so they'll be fresh in your mind each night. Examples of your intentions might include:

  • I will remember my dreams
  • I will get plenty of rest.
  • I will wake up 15 minutes before the alarm goes off.
  • I will record my dreams daily.
  • I will use my dreams to help me improve my life.

Attention

The more attention you pay to your dreams, the more helpful they will become. Some suggestions:

  • Buy a special notebook to record your dreams in.
  • Read books or magazine articles on dreams; look at internet resources.
  • Think about your dreams during the day.
  • Talk about your dreams with friends or family.
  • Spend some time each morning recalling your dreams and think about their significance.
  • Keep a dream journal.
  • Join a dream group.
  • Value your dreams. Treat them with respect. Act as if they are a cherished friend.

Expectations

Our expectations and willingness to cooperate greatly influence the outcome of events in our lives.

  • Expect to remember your dreams!
  • Expect to find a clear meaning to your dream.
  • Expect to get answers to your questions or solutions to your problems.

Programming

Our subconscious mind can be programmed to help us remember our dreams. This is done by repeatedly telling yourself something over and over. With dreams this is especially effective when done right before falling asleep. Some things you may want to program into your subconscious:

  • I will wake up before the alarm goes off.
  • I will wake up as soon as my last early morning dream is finished.
  • I will remember my dreams upon waking.
  • I will remember to lay still until I have reviewed my dreams.
  • The first thing I think about upon waking will be my dreams.

To Increase Dream Recall

  • Drugs and alcohol effect sleep patterns and dream recall. Use in moderation.

  • Sleeping pills give an unnatural sleep and should be avoided if possible.

  • Get enough rest. When we are overly tired or have not been getting enough sleep, we often tend to sleep deeper and have a more difficult time remembering our dreams.

  • Each night review your day. Keep a journal. Our dreams usually make much more sense when we look at them in the context of what is happening in our waking lives. If there is an issue that is of special importance to you, record a question to be answered in your dreams.

  • Be prepared to record your dreams. Keep a notepad and pen next to your bed. Date it before going to sleep. Record key dream elements if you wake up during the night or when you get up in the morning. Some people find it easier to use a tape recorder.

  • Alarm Clocks. Program yourself with suggestions and intent to wake up 15 minutes before your alarm goes off. This way you will have time to review your dreams peacefully, and not be rudely jerked out of them.