I quit smoking at the end of jan, along with all other drugs. Immediately the most vivid and real dreams id ever experienced..every single night for a couple weeks then most nights after. I mean so real i wake up tasting blood, in pain, not aware of surroundings etc...dont look too much into blood and pain lol..
Anyway weed really inhibits dreams as do many drugs, for me and many others.
But can help you get to sleep. And you do still go into rem sleep
I normally take some diphenhydramine an hour before my intended bedtime, you can take it long term without addiction..take the lowest dose that provides relief as always, but i took 300mg a day for nearly a year, a few years back. Melatonin can work really well, especially if you have to sleep in the daytime and thats an issue for you.
In general exercise before bed can cause restlessness especially rls.
But exercise throughout the day and exhausting yourself can definitely aid in a good nights sleep.
Watching tv, reading a book before bed, light and noise will all hinder even if you go to sleep fine. Relaxing your mind, drinking some herbal tea, being outside are great