A state-dependent memory provides that we remember things better when in the same state that we learnt it. For example, if you are intoxicated, you will better remember events that transpired while under the same condition.

Some researchers have suggested that this is at least one of the reasons why we may not remember our dreams, or may remember very few of them.

I have had many dreams where I remembered something that never actually happened, as I am sure many of you have. Is it not possible that these things did happen but in a dream, thus offering a glimpse into a previous dream experience? Perhaps, this contributes to our consistently being fooled by our own dreams, for in our dream state there is sometimes a convincing story or reason that we simply don’t remember or can’t make sense of in the real world.

Just thought it was an interesting approach and by no means do I account all false memories or dream fabrications that misguide us to this kind of memory.