Dream Journal
Dream Journal is a notebook or digital record where dreams are recorded immediately upon waking. Increases dream recall capacity, facilitates identifying recurring themes, and is a fundamental exercise for lucid dreaming.
Related Terms
Lucid Dream
A conscious dream state where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can sometimes direct the dream's flow. Studied from ancient Tibetan tradition to modern neuroscience.
Reality Check
A lucid dreaming technique: regularly asking 'Am I dreaming?' throughout the day to carry this habit into dreams. Tests like counting fingers or reading text are used.
Dream Recall
The ability to consciously remember dream content after waking. Varies person to person; can be improved through dream journaling, intention setting, and sleep hygiene.
Hypnopompic Imagery
A semi-dream state experienced during the transition from sleep to full wakefulness. The awakening version of hypnagogic imagery; dream remnants blend with reality.
Hypnagogic Imagery
Visual, auditory, or bodily hallucinations experienced during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Associated with creative ideas and artistic inspiration.
Sleep Cycle
A cycle of approximately 90 minutes consisting of NREM and REM stages, repeating 4-6 times per night. REM duration increases with each cycle, and dreams become more vivid.