iVillage

This is how we view time. It is a precious commodity that seems impossible to acquire sufficiently.

As a symbol

Alarm clocks in dreams are often a reminder of our limitations. These may be reflections of actual problems (such as running out of time), symbolic of poor time management, or completely conceptual (such as failing to complete a life-cycle task before that cycle ends). This alarm clock could appear in the dreams of someone who is perceiving their time on earth as "growing short."

Use in Dream Recall

Studies indicate that REM takes place with regularity about every ninety minutes through sleeping time. Dream recall is heightened from 20% to 70% or more when patients are awakened during dream time. By setting your alarm clock to go off either six hours or seven-and-one-half hours after going to sleep, it is likely you will have more vivid dream recall.