I've read that they were really important in a lot of places, but I don't understand what recalling them when you're awake is supposed to do.

And I'm really terrible at keeping one. When I wake up, especially since it's summer, I tend to just go back to sleep, losing whatever dream I last had. Would it be okay if I just recorded the one when I finally got out of bed?
I feel like if I don't, I'll be losing out on whatever "training" I'm supposed to be doing.