While this is a straightforward neurochemical reason for lack of memory, the picture actually is more complex, especially when it comes to the production of a certain kind of dream (the previously identified “lucid dream”) that is usually recalled. According to Elisa Filevich and associates (Filevich et al., 2015):
“During lucid dreaming, there are higher levels of neural activity occurring in the prefrontal regions of the brain. Researchers began studying lucid dreaming extensively in the 1970s and it was discovered that lucid dreaming occurs during REM sleep. It’s most likely that lucid dreaming will occur during REM sleep later in the night. One study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) found that during lucid dreaming, the brain’s frontal and prefrontal regions, which are associated with higher-level cognition and self-awareness, showed increased activity.”
A more specific identification of the link between neurotransmitters and lucid dreams was made by Aswin Iskander (someone who specializes in the production of lucid dreams) (Iskandar, 2024):
“Neurotransmitters critically influence lucid dreaming by regulating the sleep cycle and enhancing cognitive functions during REM sleep. Acetylcholine initiates REM sleep and fosters self-awareness, increasing the likelihood of lucidity. Glutamate enhances neural connectivity, contributing to dream vividness. Serotonin modulates sleep quality and emotional tone, while dopamine improves dream recall, enriching the lucidity experience. The complex interactions between these neurotransmitters establish an intricate balance necessary for dream manipulation and retention.”
Iskander (2024) uses somewhat different terms in reinforcing the role of neurotransmitters in the initiation of lucid dreams and enhancement of many other kinds of dreams:
“Acetylcholine is crucial for initiating REM sleep and enhances self-awareness, which correlates with increased lucid dreaming occurrences. Glutamate, as a primary excitatory neurotransmitter, modulates cognitive functions and enhances self-awareness during dreaming. Serotonin influences dream quality and emotional tone, with SSRIs potentially reducing REM sleep and impairing lucid dreaming. Elevated dopamine levels improve dream memory retention, enhancing the likelihood of experiencing lucidity in dreams. The interplay between acetylcholine, glutamate, serotonin, and dopamine establishes a balance essential for regulating lucid dreaming experiences.”
While Filevich and Iskander were focusing specifically on Lucid Dreams, one can’t help but wonder if neurotransmitters do play a role in the formation and retention of other types of dreams. Memories might be formed at some level based on this neurotransmitter’s assistance. Given the activation of prefrontal and frontal regions of the brain, and the introduction of acetylcholine, glutamate, and serotonin in the activation of lucid dreams and their content, it is hard to believe that these chemicals are only activated when lucid dreams occur.
