Want to remember dreams clearly? Researchers say this sleep trick works

Most people dream every night, but only some wake up with clear memories of what their mind created while asleep. A new study by Italian scientists published in Communications Psychology has found that certain habits and sleep patterns can boost the chances of recalling dreams in vivid detail.

This research suggests that factors such as frequent daydreaming, a positive attitude towards dreams, lighter sleep stages, and even seasonal sunlight exposure may influence dream memory.

The findings reveal that remembering dreams is not random but a complex process shaped by both psychological and biological elements.

Why some people remember their dreams more than others

The research, carried out by scientists from the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, explored why dream recall varies so widely.

While some people wake up with clear images and stories, others recall nothing at all.To investigate, 200 volunteers aged 18 to 70 were asked to wear sleep monitors and record their dream recollections for 15 days. They also completed psychological tests to measure anxiety, interest in dreams, and tendency to “mind-wander” or daydream.One striking finding was that participants who frequently let their thoughts drift were more likely to recall dreams.

Daydreaming appears to strengthen the brain’s memory and imagination networks, making it easier to bring dream details into waking awareness.

How mindset, sleep stages and age affect dream recall

Attitude played a major role in dream memory. People who enjoyed dreaming or saw it as valuable were more likely to remember dreams, while those uninterested in dreams often forgot them. This suggests that believing dreams matter helps reinforce memory.Sleep patterns also influenced recall. Longer phases of light sleep, as opposed to deep sleep, made people more likely to wake with vivid dream memories.

Light sleep may act as a bridge between unconscious dreaming and conscious awareness.Age differences were also clear. Younger participants were far better at recalling dreams than older adults, who more often reported “white dreams”—the sense of having dreamt without remembering any details. Researchers believe this may reflect age-related changes in memory.

How seasons and sunlight exposure affect dream recall

The study also revealed that the time of year plays a role in whether people remember their dreams.

Participants who took part in the experiment during spring were more likely to recall their dreams compared to those monitored in winter. Researchers believe this may be linked to sunlight exposure, which is naturally higher in warmer months. Sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and supports healthy brain function—all of which may enhance memory and dream recall.

This suggests that environmental factors, particularly seasonal light changes, can influence how vividly we remember our dreams.

Why dream recall research matters for brain health

Lead researcher Professor Giulio Bernardi said the study showed dream recall is not random but shaped by personal attitudes, cognitive traits, and sleep dynamics. “Our findings suggest that dream recall is not just a matter of chance but a reflection of how these elements interact,” he explained.The study adds to growing evidence that dream patterns may be linked to broader brain health. Previous research has hinted that changes in dreaming could be early signs of conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease.In conclusion, the study highlights that dream recall is shaped by several interconnected factors rather than chance alone. People who daydream more often and hold positive attitudes towards their dreams are naturally more likely to remember them. Similarly, younger individuals and those who spend longer in light sleep stages tend to recall their dreams more vividly, while seasonal elements such as greater sunlight exposure in spring may also play a role.

For anyone eager to explore their dream world, cultivating curiosity, engaging in daydreaming, and maintaining healthy sleep patterns could be simple yet effective ways to improve dream memory.Also Read: Baby names inspired by Indian freedom fighters: Honor, courage and patriotism