Not remembering dreams is normal. Most people dream but forget them.
Normal
Most people dream 4 to 6 times a night but forget most dreams.
Why you forget
Memory formation is reduced during sleep. You recall dreams if you wake during REM.
Not dreaming
Almost everyone dreams. Some people recall less.
Improve recall
Keep a dream journal and wake naturally.
Medicines
Antidepressants can reduce recall.
See a doctor
Only if sleep is poor.
Why it feels like not dreaming
Almost everyone dreams. Studies show people who say they never dream have dreams when woken in REM sleep. Adults spend about 20 to 25 percent of sleep in REM, with most vivid dreams happening there, and about 90 minutes between REM periods.
- Dream recall depends on waking up during or right after a dream. People who wake more often in the night remember more.
- Alcohol, certain antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sleep deprivation reduce REM.
- Dreaming without recall is common, and a rare condition called Charcot-Wilbrand syndrome causes loss of dreaming after brain injury.
Improve recall
Keep a regular schedule, wake naturally if possible, keep a notebook by the bed and write down any fragments right after waking. Poor recall is not harmful. Talk to a doctor if poor sleep, daytime sleepiness or sudden loss of dreaming comes with neurological symptoms such as headaches, vision changes or weakness.
Why it feels like not dreaming
Everyone dreams, usually several times a night, mostly in REM sleep. Many people forget dreams, particularly if they wake from deep sleep. Alcohol and some medicines reduce REM.
Improve recall
Keep a journal by the bed and write on waking. Maintain regular sleep. A true absence of dreaming is rare.
Do some people never dream
Almost everyone dreams, but many people do not remember dreams. Dreams occur mostly in REM sleep, which makes up about 20 to 25 percent of adult sleep, though they also occur in other stages. Recall depends on waking up during or just after REM. Not remembering is normal and not a health problem.
When lack of dreams matters
Certain medicines, such as SSRIs and beta blockers, alcohol and sleep deprivation can reduce or change recall. Rare brain injuries, notably in specific areas, can cause loss of dreaming. REM behavior disorder is the opposite problem, where people act out dreams. To improve recall, sleep consistently for 7 to 9 hours, keep a notebook by the bed and write immediately on waking. See a doctor if poor sleep or daytime fatigue persists.
Based on data from the National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
