I tried that as well i put a notebook next to my bed, but by the time i reach for it and start writing, half the details of the dream are gone.

I use an alarm on weekdays, but for weekends or if im on break i sleep late.
As for sleep duration, I have a very unusual sleep cycle. I usually sleep late, around 12-3am, to about 10-1pm ON WEEKENDS. On weekdays i try to sleep at or before midnight, and wake up at 7:30am