How to make Dream Tea
Dream Advice

Extract from 'Remembering your Dreams' by Craig Hamilton-Parker (Available for press, radio and TV interviews)

DREAM RECALL METHOD:
INTERRUPTING EARLY SLEEP CYCLES

Sometimes it may appear that a night's sleep is just a period of unconsciousness. One moment you're dropping off to sleep and the next the alarm clock is ringing and you're getting ready for the day's activities. However, during the hours that have passed, you have experienced a number of changes of brain activity, types of sleep and dreaming. Research has revealed that there appear to be four distinct levels or stages of sleep, each one different and characterized by distinctive brain rhythms and alterations in the bodily condition.

Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman and another of his students, William C. Dement, were the first people to study these sleep patterns scientifically. They found that during the first 15 minutes the sleeper descends through four distinct stages of sleep cumulating in the deepest, at Stage Four. This period of non-REM sleep lasts about one hour. During this time the body is at its most relaxed, with the brain rhythms at their slowest. Following this is a rapid return to Stage 1. It is then that the first REM episode of the night begins. It lasts about 10 minutes.

If you are married or have a partner, if you ask to be awakened at this time it is likely that you would recall a dream. Your partner should look for a telltale change in body posture and rapid eye movements under the lids. This method is impractical in that it might be difficult to get to sleep knowing that you'll be awakened by a bleary-eyed partner. However, if you're really keen to remember a dream, you could ask to be awakened should your partner awaken spontaneously and see that your eyes show REM activity.

Another somewhat extreme technique is to drink a large glass of water before going to bed. Inevitably, you will wake up in the night. With luck you will interrupt a REM period and recall a dream. I've tried this approach myself but unfortunately always end up dreaming about toilets!

Some herbalists suggest that you drink Dream Recall Tea before bed. The herbs are claimed to encourage dreaming and dream recall. Again, a full bladder will probably wake you up during the night and give you a chance to write down essential points from any dreams you've had.

To make Dream Recall Tea add ¼ cup of dried mugwort to 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary. Add the ingredients to 2 cups of boiling water. Steep for at least 10 minutes before straining. Sweeten with honey if desired

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