Storage and retention
While we are sleeping the brain moves our memories from short-term memories into longer storage and permanent memory. (which has an infinite space capacity). see more in short term and long term memory
Why don't we remember our dreams?
Imagine if we couldn't distinguish the difference between our dreams and our memories? Life would be confusing and scary. One of the theories as to why we don't remember all our dreams is because the neurons in the brain's cortex are turned off while we are dreaming and therefore resulting in us forgetting our dreams before we wake. But because of the ability to create your own dreams, Lucid dreaming, other experts believe that remembering dreams is a matter of concentration and attention. Our conscious mind also doesn't "allow" us to immediately store dreams because it would confuse us between reality and distortion.
Which dreams do we remember?
When a person makes memories they are either stored for a few seconds, a couple minutes (short term memory) and dis regarded. But, if you take the time to let a memory, an event, set in it can be stored indefinitely. When one is dreaming and then is abruptly awakened by an alarm clock or something that "jolts" you out of your dreams you recall the dream and remember it, allowing it to actually set in. But, say you continue sleeping after experiencing a dream and then either shift to a new dream you wouldn't have given your brain enough time to move the dream from short term memory into the long term, permanent storage.
Tips to rememeber your dreams!
1. Before you go to bed remind your self that you are going to try to remember your dreams
2. Keep a "dream journal" by your bed and record anything you remember dreaming of the last night- even if it was nothing, that's okay too
3. Repeat this every night until you can control (lucid dreaming) or remember your dreams
4. To learn to interpert your dreams click here
2. Keep a "dream journal" by your bed and record anything you remember dreaming of the last night- even if it was nothing, that's okay too
3. Repeat this every night until you can control (lucid dreaming) or remember your dreams
4. To learn to interpert your dreams click here
Sources:
Sleep and Dreams- Faith Hickman Bryanie
Sleep and Dreams- Alvin and Virginia B. Silverstein
Pictures:http://www.eso-garden.com/images/uploads_bilder/dream_a_z.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qAowXH4zy_Q/TKVwna5PHuI/AAAAAAAAADU/sbque0Me0gs/s1600/Lucid+Dreaming1.jpg
Sleep and Dreams- Faith Hickman Bryanie
Sleep and Dreams- Alvin and Virginia B. Silverstein
Pictures:http://www.eso-garden.com/images/uploads_bilder/dream_a_z.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qAowXH4zy_Q/TKVwna5PHuI/AAAAAAAAADU/sbque0Me0gs/s1600/Lucid+Dreaming1.jpg
