Why Some of Us Remember Dreams While Others Rarely Do

Much of dreaming remains a mystery, but scientists have some ideas as to why certain people can remember dreams better than others.

By Megan Schmidt
Jul 24, 2019 9:00 AMOct 23, 2024 2:56 PM
Dream-like portrait of a face surrounded by colorful, ethereal clouds
(Credit: agsandrew/Shutterstock)

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Soaring with the birds. Teeth falling out. A crazy psychopath is chasing you. 

For many of us, our dreams transport us to a surreal world where logic and reason have no reign. Some of us may even look forward to sleep — and the adventures we’ll go on in our dreams. 

What is it about people who don’t remember their dreams that set them apart from the people who do? Is it possible for the brain to stop producing dreams? And could something be wrong in the brains of people who report never dreaming?

Does Everyone Dream?

Yes, pretty much everyone dreams. In fact, dreaming may help foster problem-solving, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation.  But does everyone take a nightly trip to dreamland? While most of us remember somewhere around one or two dreams a week, some people report a subconscious experience that’s more like a blank tape. 

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