How to Remember Dreams: 5 Tips to Keep Them Alive

March 26, 2025 |

Dreams are fascinating. They often leave us with lingering feelings long after we’ve woken up. Yet, many of us struggle to recall them once the morning light hits. Fortunately, here are five tips that can help you remember dreams more easily.

1. Set an intention before going to bed

Just like anything else in life, if you consciously decide to do something, you’re more likely to achieve it. Tell yourself, “Tonight, I will remember my dreams.” This simple affirmation can significantly improve your ability to recall what you’ve dreamed about.

2. Limit distractions

Minimize distractions before bed, like social media or TV, as they can overstimulate your mind. Instead, try relaxing activities to calm your mind and improve dream recall.

3. Keep a dream journal

To remember your dreams, keep a journal and write down everything you saw, heard, and felt as soon as you wake up. If you don’t feel like using pen and paper while you're building the habit, you can use a recording app on your phone to capture your dreams instead.

4. Wait a few moments before getting up

Avoid getting out of bed too quickly. Give yourself a few moments to reflect on your dreams before they slip away. Try remembering the dream in reverse order, starting with the most recent details and working backward. This can help you piece together the dream more clearly.

Finally, share your dreams with someone else to reinforce the memory. Talking about your dreams not only helps you relive them but also makes them stick in your mind.

By making these practices part of your daily routine, you'll likely find yourself more in tune with your dreams, making them easier to remember and more meaningful in your waking life.