|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Write down any and every dream that you recall, including fragments and seemingly insignificant snippets. Do this as soon as you wake up! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before you fall asleep, tell yourself that you expect to dream, and that you want to remember your dreams. You can even make suggestions about what topic you want your dreams to cover! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As much as possible, try to wake up naturally, without using an alarm clock. Because awakening from internal cues usually pulls you directly from REM sleep, you increase the odds of recalling your most vivid dreams. On the other hand, some people use alarm clocks set at 90-minute intervals, with the idea that they'll wake themselves up near the end of REM sleep period. That may or may not work, however, since the timing of sleep stages is an inexact science at best. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remain quiet and still when you awaken. Keep your eyes closed and send your mind back to what you were just dreaming about. Don't start thinking about the upcoming day's activities. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recall your dream backwards. That is, remember the most recent parts first, then move backwards in the sequence of the dream events. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Try to remember all of the dreams that you may have had. Then take a few moments to make any associations between your dreams and real-life events. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pay attention to dreams. Review records of your previous dreams often. Recall usually improves with interest and involvement, so think, read, and talk about your dreams. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Of course, recording your dreams right after you wake up is crucial to remembering them. Don't say to yourself, ''I'll write it down as soon as I get home from work this evening." The dreamor most of the detailswill be gone. In fact, some experts estimate that the average dream is forgotten within 10 minutes of waking up. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the other hand, once you get in the habit of writing down your dreams, you'll find that your recall increases at a tremendous rate. You'll probably record three to four dreams a week within your first two weeks and continue to record more from there. And if you start to feel that you're having too many dreams, then read the advice we offer aboveand do the opposite! For example, as you fall asleep tell yourself that you prefer not to dream. And when you wake up, jump out of bed and blast your radio before you can remember anything. You get the idea. But it's hard to imagine anyone who |
|
|
|
|
|
