Correlation of dreams...

I was just thinking that my friends who read on a regular basis tend to remember more dreams. I have also noticed when I used to play video games, I had very vivid dreams, and then there are life stresses, etc.

I thought I would ask of those that recall their dreams on a regular basis (2-3 times a week or more), what are your semi-regular patterns that may correlate to this memory? Eg. reading, watching certain movies, video games, camping, being away from home...

And of those that don't recall your dreams on a regular basis: When you have remembered your dreams, what events do you think correlated to your recall?

This excludes those that will themselves to dream, just before they fall asleep. I am more curious as to what natural events correlate to the jolt in dream recall.

Thanks to anyone who wishes to share!

I have known that paying much attention to particular leisure instruments--namely books, games, and television--may increase one's chances of dreaming about the particular subject(s) displayed in the instrument; however, I cannot be entirely sure of its benefit for dream recall. For instance, my older brother, as far back as I can remember, has always read books on a daily basis, but never has he remembered his dreams. That having been said, I can't say that I totally believe that reading, watching movies, or playing games necessarily improves one's ability to recall dreams. Then again, I could be wrong.

But, anyhow, assuming that I am incorrect, I believe my ability to recall dreams has been partially supported by my reading and gaming habits, as I usually have dreams about magic, supernatural creatures and phenomenons, and all of the like.

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I am more curious as to what natural events correlate to the jolt in dream recall.

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I could be incorrect, but I believe one's moods play a certain role in one's ability to recall dreams.

Although stress and depression are usually the plagues of dreaming in general, positive feelings as well as a reduced number of daily tasks can potentially improve the clarity of dreams as well as the ability to remember them. To make an example, though I am able to recall virtually every dream I have, I have noticed in the past that my dreams were much easier to remember on the time periods in which I was in rather good spirits, as opposed to the more common time periods in which I bear my usual blank and depressive moods.

...But, anyhow, this is all merely hypothesis, so I would advice against taking my word for any of the above.

I too am uncertain if such activities as reading and the likes will increase ones chance at recalling their dreams. But such things (like everything else we do) will contribute to our dream content.
Perhaps, though, people who are all work and no play have no time for "dreams" and pay them no attention while more imaginitive, thoughtful or introverted personality types may be in tune to their inner workings more and notice their dreams more because of it.

Hmmm... this is a very interesting question. I've also known people who read all the time but still have no dream recall- but they were serious, extroverted types.