Does training increase NREM dream recall? A pilot study
Michael Schredl, Jaana Brennecke, Iris Reinhard
University Library Heidelberg 2013 DOI: 10.11588/ijodr.2013.1.9963 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | High dream recallers |
| Duration | Three non-consecutive nights |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key points | The attempt to raise NREM dream recall to the level of REM recall (about 80%) failed. The authors argue this supports the hypothesis that dreaming is always present during NREM sleep and that lower NREM recall percentages reflect sleep stage-dependent recall processes rather than less dreaming. |
Abstract
The percentages of successful dream recall vary depending on whether the participants were awakened from REM sleep (about 80% recall) or NREM sleep (about 50% recall). The question as to whether this difference is explained by less dreaming during NREM sleep or sleep state-dependent memory processes cannot answered easily. The present pilot study was designed to test whether high recallers can increase their NREM dream recall to figures equal to those obtained from REM awakenings. The participants were awakened during NREM on three non-consecutive nights while training in dream recall by keeping a dream diary. Even though the study’s goal was not achieved, the findings support the hypothesis that dreaming is always present during NREM sleep and that reduced NREM recall percentages are explained by sleep stage-dependent recall processes. Future research should focus on these sleep stage-dependent recall processes and correlate possible interindividual differences with their differences in dream recall.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study Combat veterans with PTSD | 2009 | Open clinical trial | n = 10 |
| Cognitions in Sleep: Lucid Dreaming as an Intervention for Nightmares in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 2020 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Managing Insomnia Using Lucid Dreaming Training: A Pilot Study. Adults with Insomnia Disorder | 2021 | Open-label trial | n = 48 |
| Dream content and political ideology. U.S. adults who identified as members of the political right or political left (28 per... | 2002 | Pilot study | n = 56 |
| Imagery rehearsal therapy for the treatment of nightmares in individuals with borderline personality disorder – A pilot study Individuals with borderline personality disorder | 2024 | Between-subjects design, pilot study | n = 44 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Enhancing and advancing the understanding and study of dreaming and memory consolidation: Reflections, challenges, theoretical clarity, and methodological considerations Consciousness and Cognition June 27, 2024
- Is dream recall underestimated by retrospective measures and enhanced by keeping a logbook? A review. Consciousness and Cognition May 1, 2015
Cites 6
- Questionnaires and diaries as research instruments in dream research: Methodological issues. Dreaming March 1, 2002
- Factors of home dream recall: a structural equation model Journal of Sleep Research May 12, 2003
- Is sleep-dependent memory consolidation of a visuo-motor task related to dream content? heiDOK (Heidelberg University) 2010
- Information processing during sleep: the effect of olfactory stimuli on dream content and dream emotions. Journal of Sleep Research June 22, 2009
- Poor recall of eye-movement signals from Stage 2 compared to REM sleep: implications for models of dreaming. Consciousness and Cognition September 2004
and 1 more in the library