How to Achieve More Dreams

If you're not dreaming a lot when you sleep, you may not be getting enough REM sleep. Find out how to achieve more dreams at night.

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Learn how to interpret your dreams with this Howcast video series.

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Steps

Step 1

Know the role of REM

Know that most dreaming takes place in a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement, or REM. In this state, brain activity resembles that of waking life, but muscles remain slack.
REM dreams are considered more perceptual and emotional than non-rapid-eye-movement dreams. The latter are more realistic.
Step 2

Understand rebound

Understand that if you are deprived of REM sleep one night, you make it up -- and dream more -- the next. This is known as REM rebound.
Losing 30 minutes of REM sleep one night can lead to a 35 percent increase in REM sleep the next night.
Step 3

Know about drugs and medications

Know that alcohol and nicotine use decrease REM sleep. Stopping use of alcohol and nicotine leads to a REM rebound -- and more dreams.
Step 4

Be aware of risks

Realize that dream intensity increases after a period of sleep deprivation. But be aware that sleep deprivation causes diminished productivity, tendency to make mistakes, irritability, and fatigue during the day. Pleasant dreams!
Platypuses experience more REM dream activity than any other animal.