A comparison of dream recall in wakefulness and hypnosis.

Abstract

Abstract The state of consciousness during recall of dreams is an important variable that has not been sufficiently studied, as it might throw light on the recovery process itself. Data from 3 related experiments are presented in which the recall of natural dreams of the previous night is compared for hypnosis and the waking state. The findings support the hypothesis that dreams are more readily recalled in hypnosis than in the waking state. The waking state following hypnosis shows significantly more dream recalls than when waking state precedes hypnosis. This indicates that once hypnosis brings about the recall of a dream, dream memory remains more readily available. It is suggested that the similarity in the nature of the thought processes underlying the dreaming state of sleep and hypnosis is responsible for the improved recall.