Can giving up caffeine improve the memorability of dreams?

Question

I've recently given up caffiene and I can remember my dreams much more clearly. Is this common or is it just a coincidence?

Answer 1

There are two schools of thought on this.  Many folks who promote "lucid dreaming" suggest that intake of caffeine actually helps you recall dreams because you are less deeply asleep and can, in theory, be more aware of entering REM sleep (which is dream sleep).  I don't believe there is any clear evidence of this.  There is evidence, however, that caffeine disrupts sleep.  So giving up caffeine is likely to have improved your sleep and, as a consequence, you may be spending more time in REM sleep.  If you are dreaming "more" then you may be remembering more.