Thread: No REM.

Originally Posted by ShockWave

Some people have said that certain substances help increase vividness, such as drinking Apple Juice before going to bed. None of this is proven, however, so I wouldn't rely on it to increase your vividness. What I would do is try a mantra as you're going to sleep, as that may help to make the dream more vivid.

Also, if you're thinking about trying meditation, you're welcome to take my Meditation class in the DV Academy once it begins. The first lesson will be posted on August 10.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask

ShockWave.

That's awesome! I'd love to take a meditation class, I'll definitely sign up.

Originally Posted by nina

You could talk to your doctor about possibly test driving a lower dosage? It's pretty clear these drugs are directly resulting in insomnia, which is still very deleterious to your physical/mental health even though they artificially make you feel better. It's wonderful that you aren't depressed anymore btw, and I'd never suggest you stop taking meds or anything like that. But taking certain meds means that you will be sacrificing certain aspects of your life...such as dream recall and even creativity. I do speak from experience. Although, your body will probably adjust itself with time and you'll recover your dream recall. At least, this was the case for me.

Vitamin B6 is good for increasing vividness. You could also try Galantamine/choline. Melatonin is great for helping to fall asleep.

Yeah, I find that the worst part of the medication is probably the loss in creativity. I actually know some people who suffer from depression as well and are taking similar SSRIs and they all say the same thing, that their creativity is lowered. However, I think its only a small side effect to a medication which dramatically improves the state of your mental health. The only thing I find strange is the fact that this hasn't been studied or documented scientifically even though many people speak from experience that it does so.

Anyways, thanks for the advice. I'm definitely not going to stop the medication because other than the creativity and insomnia the results have been astonding. I'll see if I can talk to my phychiatrist about lowering the dose though because that will probably help my sleep.

Originally Posted by faceonmars

I have been an insomniac for decades. This is a frustrating condition that was the bane of my existence . I write extensively about insomnia at my site. Click here and then click on Sleep blog. Maybe some of my ramblings will help you. Good luck!

Thanks, faceonmars, its some really good advice. Its great to have someone who suffers from the same condition because you can relate.