It is also what you do before sleep. Large meals less than four hours before bedtime is not advisable. Large meals could cause excessive drowsiness and abnormally deep sleep. The more lethargic you are before sleeping, the less likely you will awake with recollections of a dream. If you must eat before retiring, foods that aid brain function are preferable as meals.
Sedatives create an intent to rest rather than dream.
Stimulants may interfere with sleep and hold concerns other than dreaming in your thoughts. The more time you devote to sleep, the less tired you will be, and the more likely you will awake to recall and record your dreams. A plan to record your dreams is also important to dream recall. A pen and pad at bedside are the most inexpensive and common mediums for recording dreams. However, a tape-recorder at bedside is preferable.