I haven't had a dream for a long time

Seeking Advice
1

I have never experienced dreaming as long as I can remember. I suspect I just don’t remember my dreams, but it feels like I’m missing out on a significant part of the human experience. When I sleep, it’s like a time skip until my alarm goes off. I’ve tried melatonin and adjusting my sleep schedule to promote dreaming, and even kept a journal under my pillow for months to jot down any dreams immediately upon waking, but I never recall having dreamt. Additionally, I have aphantasia, which might be related. Does anyone have advice on how I might be able to experience dreaming?

2

If falling back asleep isn’t an issue for you, try setting multiple alarms throughout the night. It might help you wake up during a dream.

3

Crosby said:
If falling back asleep isn’t an issue for you, try setting multiple alarms throughout the night. It might help you wake up during a dream.

I’ve tried that. I use a smart ring to track my sleep and wake myself during REM sleep, but I still don’t remember any dreams.

4

Before you sleep, during the dozy phase, remind yourself that everything from that point on is a dream. It might help you remember your dreams if you wake up during REM sleep.

5

Eli said:
Before you sleep, during the dozy phase, remind yourself that everything from that point on is a dream. It might help you remember your dreams if you wake up during REM sleep.

I find it hard to notice the dozy phase since it takes me about an hour to fall asleep. I’ve tried waking myself up during REM sleep intentionally, but I still don’t remember any dreams. I’ll try to be more aware of the dozy phase, thanks for the suggestion.

6

I never dreamed for the first 40 years of my life until I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and started using a CPAP machine. I started dreaming on day one of using it because I wasn’t reaching deep or REM sleep before due to the apnea.

7

@Wynn
I haven’t tested for sleep apnea, though my smart ring does monitor for it and the readings are normal. Maybe it’s worth getting a professional evaluation to be sure. Thanks for sharing your experience!

8

If you smoke weed, stopping may help you start dreaming, as it can suppress REM sleep.

9

Sky said:
If you smoke weed, stopping may help you start dreaming, as it can suppress REM sleep.

I don’t smoke weed, so that’s not an issue for me.