By Michelle McLemore

In every class I teach targeted to discuss sleep, inevitably a few students say they have “never dreamed.” Tactfully, I point out that it’s highly improbable. Not remembering a dream is not proof that one does not dream. It is, however, an indication that they are not yet utilizing the gifts of the dream state.

Nurturing one’s night dreams can yield many benefits. At base level, dreams can be entertaining. Yet, in regard to enrichment, dreams can enable problem-solving for a real-life dilemma and help us process emotions in ways that may not have been possible nor allowed in waking society. In the dream state, one can synthesize information for accurate predictions, practice empathy, explore how to combat anxieties and deal with traumas and fears. The mind can move beyond brainstorming to literally create stories, songs, and inventions. Finally, it can access telepathic and spiritual communication with others.

As exhilarating (I think) as all those potentials are, their useability is limited for those who do not remember their dreams. So, why doesn’t everyone remember their dreams?

Improving the quality of sleep is the first level. Caffeine and certain foods can interrupt your peaceful sleep as well as cause you to wake up to release your bladder if you consume close to bedtime. Analyze your patterns and adjust.

Light and temperature in the environment near where you are trying to rest can keep you closer to wakefulness rather than deep sleep. Do you sleep better in warmer or cooler temps? Technology (phones, television, earbuds, videogames) used too close to bedtime (and without putting them on silent) can keep your brain ever watchful, straining to hear alerts, thinking you might just be needed so you shouldn’t dare sleep too deeply. Put only your closest emergency contacts on your favorites call list so they will come through despite selecting “do not disturb” for all others. Mute social media notifications during scheduled sleep.

Irregular sleep patterns due to changing job shifts or social choices can disrupt consistent dream states. If it is possible to establish a regular bedtime, it will be to your advantage. Anxieties, worries, and depression can also subtly impact the quality and depth of sleep people may attain. For some, surviving the current day is a tremendous relief, however, they dread going to sleep and having to wake up to survive the next day. Stress management is critical to a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

The few people I have encountered who are not interested in exploring their dreams to improve their waking quality of life were concerned with avoiding dreaming because of nightmares. Distress and trauma pushed down, or not dealt with during waking hours, can manifest during night dreams as an attempt to push the sleeper to commit to healing. As trauma is dealt with, the need for the nightmares as a catalyst for healing diminishes. The nightmares will stop or transition to other topics that have been stifled. Your brain isn’t trying to torture you with traumatic memories or fears. It is trying to get release necessary for healing, and it will continue prompting you to get help until you do find something that works.

Sleep disorders, physical pain, and even a natural, aging factor of decreased melatonin can influence deep sleep and dreaming. Addressing physical health during the day does extend into improved sleep. Research nutrition, supplements, and exercise potentials. They don’t have to be expensive nor super intensive. Every person has their own needs. 10,000 steps is just someone’s estimated suggestion for needed movement in today’s sedimentary convenience-framed lifestyle. For others it might be 20,000 steps. For even others, yoga, weightlifting, or swimming might be more impactful and wiser for their physical conditions.

If you handle the factors that are interfering with solid sleep, then working on improving recall is next. Identify to what extent your family or culture placed importance on dreaming and dream analysis while you were growing up. Did you discuss dreams or dismiss them? Were you encouraged to look to your dreams for ideas and solutions? What is your personal belief now about its importance? The good news is this is within your power to change. Is it important to you? If it hasn’t been, then you need to consciously begin reassuring your brain it is now important and shall be in the future. Tell yourself during the day and at bedtimes, “I want to, and will, remember my dreams.” Eventually, when your subconscious believes you, you won’t have to keep up the persuasion.

Keeping a dream journal next to your bed with a free-flowing pen is useful. The less you move upon coming to a conscious state, the more easily you will retain the link to the dream information. Move one arm to grab the materials and jot down key phrases without opening your eyes or flailing around. Just one or two-word phrases will be enough to recall more details later in the day when you have established time to flesh out the notes and analyze the thoughts.

If you can set your intention to wake before an alarm or house pet wakes you, that will also be helpful. The less interruptions that will jar you awake will help you maintain the dream connection. Again, quietly move to grab the materials to record. Maybe you prefer a digital audio recording device. Keep it a simple one because as soon as you open your eyes, your brain will begin registering extraneous stimuli that may cancel your nocturnal recall.

And what if you are startled awake despite your best intentions? As soon as you can, close your eyes again, take a few slow deep breaths, and simply tell yourself, “I want to recall my dreams. What did I dream?” Then, wait. Take more breaths as needed…and wait. As your brain and psyche come to learn of your commitment, it will bring the desired information back to you. Be patient with yourself, especially if you do not have a long habit of honoring your dream information.

Finally, you must commit to analyzing your dreams. Simply knowing you have dreamt is only opening the door. An amazing and enriching world awaits you across the threshold.

For information on dream analysis, consider taking a class with Michelle McLemore, CHTP, Rev, and stress management coach. Review the Crazy Wisdom Community Journal Calendar or the Crazy Wisdom Weekly for her currently scheduled classes or contact her at energy@michellemclemore.com for one-on-one dream coaching.