Why some people remember dreams (and others don't)

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Recalling dreams is a complicated process that's influenced by several factors. Here's why some people recall their dreams, but others can't remember them...

A fascinating idea suggests that the dreams we recall aren't actually coming straight from our REM sleep. Instead, they pop up when we wake up.

Some people found that they recalled their dreams more often than others. This often due to certain medications or sleep disorders, as well as certain tips, like keeping a dream journal, setting aside time to write and track dreams after waking.

Sleep is structured around various stages, comprising slow-wave and REM sleep. Contrary to what's commonly thought, dreams don't just happen in REM sleep.

• Dreams during this stage are usually described as being in black and white, peaceful and similar to events from the day just gone.
• Dreams during this phase are often more colourful, vivid and disjointed. It's during this phase that the most frequently recalled dreams occur.

Factors influencing dream recall

1. Time of awakening
• Dreams that occur later in the night are more likely to be remembered due to the extended REM sleep phases during that period.
• The most vivid dream stories often come up during sudden wakings at the end of a night's sleep, or after just a few minutes spent in REM sleep.
2. Night-time awakenings
• Folks who wake up several times throughout the night tend to recall their dreams more often.
• Waking up for at least two minutes seems to be essential for the brain to note the dream, even though don't always recall these awakenings.
3. Brain activity
• During rem sleep, parts of the brain associated with emotions are as busy as anything, but parts associated with reasoning are basically turned off.
• This certain brain activity could account for the illogical and emotional nature of the dreams we recall.
4. Individual differences
• Some people seem to have a natural tendency to recall their dreams, which might be connected to variations in their brain's structure or the way it operates.
5. Physiological conditions
• Some things like antidepressants, Alzheimer's disease or being quite old can lower or stop REM sleep, making it harder to recall dreams.

Theories on dream recall

A widely-held theory proposes that we don't consciously recall the dreams that occur during REM sleep straight away. Instead, it's believed that they come to light as we wake up, when the logical parts of the brain start working and work to make sense of the imaginative and nonsensical material produced during REM sleep.

In the end, being able to recall dreams relies on a complex mix of how sleep unfolds, when and how often you wake up, what's happening in your brain during sleep, and personal differences. This complexity is why some people can easily remember their dreams, while others rarely do.

(MH with LM / Picture: Rafal Jedrzejek via Unsplash)

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