Is it abnormal to not dream? ｜The cause of not dreaming and the deep relationship between physical condition and sleep

What is the true meaning of “not dreaming”?

In many cases,

• Not dreaming
  → ❌
• I don’t remember my dreams
  → ⭕

.

Depending on when you wake up and
the depth of your sleep,
you can easily forget your dreams.

Author
“In most cases, dreams are just something you can’t remember.”

Main reasons for not dreaming (not remembering)

✔ ① Sleeping too deeply/extremely fatigued

• Severe fatigue
• After a period of lack of sleep
• Period when you are sleeping soundly

Deep non-REM sleep increases and
you often don’t remember your dreams.

This is a state in which
the brain and body prioritize recovery.

✔ ② High stress

It may seem surprising, but

• Strong mental stress
• Continued state of tension

In
some people feel that they “stop dreaming”.

This is

• Decreased sleep quality
• REM sleep becomes fragmented

Because of this,
you can’t remember your dreams.
(NIH)

Author
“It’s not that you don’t dream, but it can also be a sign that your brain isn’t resting.”

✔ ③ Disturbance of life rhythm

• Staying up late
• Sleep time varies every day
• Falled asleep while looking at smartphone

These habits are

• Disrupts REM sleep rhythm
• Shift the timing of your awakening

Because
it becomes difficult to remember dreams.

✔ ④ Influence of alcohol/drugs

• Bedtime wine
• Sleeping pills
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Antidepressants

have the effect of
suppressing REM sleep.

As a result,

• Less dreams
• Cannot remember dreams

Sometimes.
(NHS)

Relationship between “not dreaming” and illness

✔ Basically not a disease

Not dreaming or not remembering dreams itself
rarely indicates illness.

Rather,

• Sleeping deeply
• Body in recovery mode

There is also a good side.

✔ Cases you should be careful about

However, if the following conditions persist
you may consider seeking counseling.

• Long periods of no dreaming
• I don’t feel tired even though I get enough sleep
• Severe daytime sleepiness
• Decrease in concentration and memory
• Continued to feel depressed

These are

• Sleep disorders
• Depressed state
• Disturbance of autonomic nervous system

may be in the background.

Author
“Please pay more attention to your daytime condition than your dreams”

No longer dreaming = depression?

This is a particularly common concern when searching.

In conclusion,
👉 Not having dreams = not depression.

However, in a state of depression

• Sleep becomes shallow
• Rhythm of REM sleep is disrupted
• Difficulty remembering dreams

Sometimes.

What is important is
changes in mood and motivation rather than the presence or absence of dreams.

Don’t worry too much in this case

• I feel fine during the day
• I feel like I’m asleep
• Fatigue is gradually going away
• I have no complaints other than not dreaming

In this case,
your body and brain are properly rested.

Author
“Not remembering dreams does not mean bad sleep”

Tips to make it easier to dream (and remember)

For those who are interested,
We will also introduce things you can do in your daily life.

✔ Set a constant wake-up time

✔ Avoid using your smartphone right before bed

✔ Don’t cut back on your sleep time

✔ Wake up slowly in the morning

With this alone,
you will have more chances to remember your dreams.

Summary | “Not dreaming” is a natural sign from the body

✨ Most people have dreams every night
✨ Often they just don’t remember
✨ Fatigue, stress, and quality of sleep have a big impact
✨ Focus on your physical condition during the day rather than dreams
✨ If your anxiety persists, you can seek advice

Author
“Not having dreams itself is proof that your body is resting properly.
Don’t worry, it’s okay🌿”