I have a lot of very similar problems, most notably it takes me at least 40 minutes to fall asleep at night.
I sometimes see this as a setback, but I usually try to schedule myself so I can get tons of sleep in general. I don't know what your situation is (ie you have parents who won't let you sleep in on weekends or whatever), but if I were you I would try to designate one day this week to getting LOADS of sleep. By loads, I mean spend the whole day sleeping. At least 12 hours. Even if you aren't tired after 8 or so, just spend the whole day laying in bed, relaxing on your pillow, and thinking soothing thoughts. Don't even try to read or do anything to distract you. I've slept for 23 hours before, sometimes I sleep that long because the dreams just keep coming and it is more fun than getting up that day. Believe me, it is possible to sleep for over 8 hours and still have amazing dreams! I have about 9 dreams when I get ~11 hours, and more that I just don't remember. Also maybe communicate your plans to your family, if possible, to see that they don't disturb you. And silence your cell phone so people don't call and wake you up.
Regarding waking up to an alarm in the middle of the night... set it to the softest you can that will still wake you. I have my phone on vibrate. That wakes you up, but doesn't do that whole startle-me-so-the-adrenaline-is-pumping-and-I-can't-sleep-for-40-more-min deal.
Anyway on that one day, make sure to write down anything you remember. Usually I am way too lazy (and also concerned that writing in a DJ will set me back 40 min to fall asleep again) and talk myself into going back to sleep, and I forget all of my dreams. Designate this one entire day to a dream journal, and just see what happens. If you plan ahead, it'll even get you into the mindframe of recognizing dreams and etc., which should help your recall that day.
Another thing that you could do to help you fall asleep is if you have an ipod or cd player or something, create a playlist that is very soothing and relaxing. Listen to it every single night, and your body will get into the habit of relaxing and falling asleep as soon as you hear that music. You may not be able to sleep the first few nights or so, but believe me, you'll get to the point where halfway through the second song, you just zonk out.
Anyway, that is what I would do to jump start dream recall. Good luck!
|
|
Bookmarks