Finally a vivid dream recalled in detail!

I had posted the following in another topic:

"Even when I wake up in the middle of the dream, I can't remember much. I remember the last scene of the dream in decent detail, but that technique of trying to work backwards to try to remember what happened before that last scene just doesn't seem to work for me. Did anyone experience the same? Any tips to improve recall?"

However, for the first time in several years I was able to remember quite a few details about my dream's plot and to recognize that the dream was quite vivid last night! I'm very excited!

I'm now left thinking about what could have helped me out here...

As it turns out, yesterday:

1) I went to bed particularly late and tired (and slept only 5 hours as opposed to my usual 7)
2) I had a very unusual dinner (very spicy Malaysian) and a few exotic drinks
3) Given how tired I was, I didn't try any auto-suggestion nor focused too much on recalling dreams

I wonder if any of the above had anything to do with the increased vividness and the improved recall or if it was just a coincidence...

Any thoughts?