Why Some People Remember Their Dreams More Than Others

Researchers in Italy have identified certain traits that influence a person’s ability to recall dreams.

We all know someone who frequently wakes up with vivid stories about their dreams. They eagerly share the strange scenarios they experienced, the unexpected celebrity encounters, and the bizarre twists in their nighttime adventures. Meanwhile, many of us struggle to remember anything beyond a few blurry fragments—if we remember anything at all.

For those who barely recall their dreams, it might seem unfair that others can recount theirs in great detail. However, research suggests that only a small percentage of people have this ability, making it less common than one might think.

Everyone dreams, but not everyone can remember themGetty Stock Photo

A survey conducted by CBS News in 2021 polled 1,010 adults across the United States and revealed an interesting statistic: only one in ten people claimed they always remember their dreams.

This raises an intriguing question—what makes some individuals better at recalling their dreams than others?

According to researchers in Italy, the answer lies in a combination of personal traits and external influences. Giulio Bernardi, a professor of general psychology at the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, elaborated on this, explaining: “Our findings suggest that dream recall is not just a matter of chance but a reflection of how personal attitudes, cognitive traits and sleep dynamics interact.”

To explore this phenomenon, researchers conducted a study involving over 200 participants. Each person completed tests and questionnaires assessing their interest in dreams and their tendency to become easily distracted.

During the study, participants wore specialized sleep-tracking devices that recorded the duration, quality, and interruptions of their sleep. Over a period of 15 days, they kept a record of whether they had dreams and described them whenever possible.

After thoroughly analyzing the collected data, the scientists identified five specific traits that appear to be closely associated with the ability to recall dreams.

There are certain traits associated with remembering dreamsGetty Stock Photo

These key traits include:

A generally positive attitude toward dreams
A tendency to let their minds wander
Spending more time in lighter sleep stages
Living in warmer climates
Being younger

When it comes to climate, researchers noted that individuals tend to recall fewer dreams during colder months, suggesting that seasonal variations might play a role.

Age also seems to have an impact. Studies indicate that older individuals often experience a feeling of having dreamed but struggle to recall specific details. This phenomenon is referred to as “white dreams.”

Giulio Bernardi, the lead researcher, commented on the broader implications of their findings, stating: “These insights not only deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind dreaming but also have implications for exploring dreams’ role in mental health and in the study of human consciousness.”

Additionally, while past research has suggested that women tend to recall dreams more frequently than men, this particular study did not find any strong evidence to support that claim.