My dream recall used to be pretty good, especially the mornings, but, as of late, it's being terrible. Most mornings I cannot remember a thing and, on the days I do remember a dream, it's vague and unclear. I've being trying to improve it, but nothing seems to be working and I'm not sure why.

I have a somewhat consistent sleeping pattern - in bed by 10.30/11pm and up by 6.30 or 7.30. 9.00 for the days I'm off work - I write in my dream journal every morning, even if I don't remember a dream, and I say a mantra before going to sleep every night and, if I get up in the night, as I go to sleep. It's "I wake up after every dream and remember them clearly!" So, what could be the problem?

Is the mantra too long? Is the fact that I wake up by alarm clock causing the problem, etc? Any advice would be great.