It is difficult to remember dreams

Most of the time, it is because dreams come from our subconscious, which is available to us during sleep (because our minds are out of the way!), and also deep meditation. However, in meditation, we are also more aware … so we do remember it better. In fact, meditation really is lucid dreaming! Therefore, during the process of waking up (becoming conscious), our dream material can easily slip away from our memory. Much of the world is conditioned to wake up and get going! So that dream just “poof!” it just disappears.

Also, at times while sleeping, and even while dreaming, our brains are fluctuating in and out of various levels of consciousness. Restlessness, etc., can impede memory of dream material. Medicines, etc., can do this, too. Going to bed as relaxed as possible, waking as relaxed as possible, will help. No matter what rush you think you should be in (other than responding to a disaster, personal or otherwise), try to stay sleepy. Try to stay cozy for just a few minutes. Or uncomfortable - be with that, too. What’s the first thought as you’re waking? This is a clue to what you dreamt.

I used to keep dream journals, and they do help… you’ll be surprised to see some helpful clues, even if you’re just journaling your sleepy thoughts. Just be aware that, as you awaken more and more, your waking mind wants to put its “logical” ideas, thoughts, judgements, into your written material. Your waking mind is a useful tool for maneuvering through life. But it also contains a lot of False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR). Anyway, back to the good news - keep being open to the idea that you do dream, and that you want to learn more. You can enhance your ability to remember by reciting affirmations before sleep, etc.

Whenever I taught a class in dream work, there was always someone who never remembered their dreams. Soon after? Dream remembrance! One lady wrote three pages (after a lifetime of not remembering) and had images that were astounding - color, form, everything. My point? Keep pondering, relaxing… it will come for you. Not everyone can remember the dreams. Some get involved in the dream more than others.

Dreams that are had in the early night or in the early morning are easier to remember than those during midnight. Consciousness if has reached deep sleep will not make it possible to remember the dream, early night or early morning consciousness gradually returns back to dream state or awaken state . These dreams can be remembered easily as it will be partially awakened state.

Final thought: Your dreams are working to heal your issues, whatever they may be, past or present, or even to encourage you… even when you don’t remember them! Ah, I love that! Also, it may be harder to remember dreams because during REM sleep our body may shut down systems in our brain responsible for creating memories. We may only remember dreams that occur just before we wake, when certain brain activities have been turned back on.

During REM phase the brain is highly active and it is also the phase of sleep associated with dreams. The Non-REM phase is associated either with no dreams or with dreams and nightmares. The basic difference between the dreams of both these phases of sleep is that while the dreams of REM phase are remembered, the dreams in non-REM phase are not. This is due to the non consolidation of dreams in memory meaning that these dreams are not converted into permanent memories. While that can also be said about dreams of REM sleep, we are more likely to remember them precisely due to their consolidation into memory. Cheers!