Have you ever dreamed of being in an incredibly beautiful place, but you can’t control anything that happens? Lucid dreaming may be the answer to this. A lucid dream is one in which you are aware that you are dreaming and can control the dream. This type of dream can be an incredibly exciting experience, and there are ways to increase the likelihood of having one. In this article, we will explore lucid dreaming, how to achieve it, and some recent research in the field.
What are lucid dreams?
Lucid dreams are dreams in which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. This allows the dreamer to have some control over what happens in the dream. Lucid dreaming can be an exciting experience, as it allows you to explore your imagination in a way that is not possible in real life.
How to get lucid dreams?
There are several techniques that can be used to increase the likelihood of having lucid dreams. Below are some of the most common:
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Perform reality tests: A common technique for achieving lucid dreaming is to perform reality checks in everyday life. A reality test is an action that allows you to know if you are dreaming or not. For example, looking at the clock twice in a row to see if the hours change can be a reality check. If you are dreaming, chances are the hours will not change.
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Keep a dream diary: Keeping a dream journal can help you recognize patterns in your dreams. If you identify a pattern, you can use it to recognize that you are dreaming and thus have a lucid dream.
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Use the WILD technique (acronym in English for “induced awakening while dreaming”): This technique consists of waking up during the night and then going back to sleep with the intention of having a lucid dream. During this process, you focus on maintaining awareness while your body falls asleep.
Recent research on lucid dreaming
Recently, there has been some interesting research on lucid dreaming. A study conducted in 2020 by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, found that lucid dreaming can improve overall sleep quality. In the study, participants who had lucid dreams reported better overall sleep quality.
Other recent study, published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition, found that meditation practice can increase the likelihood of having lucid dreams. Participants who practiced meditation during the day reported a higher frequency of lucid dreams.
Conclusion
Lucid dreaming can be an incredibly exciting experience. While there is no guarantee of having a lucid dream, there are techniques you can use to increase the likelihood of having one. Additionally, recent research in the field shows that lucid dreaming is not only exciting, but can also improve overall sleep quality. Additionally, practicing meditation can increase the frequency of lucid dreaming.
In conclusion, if you are interested in experiencing lucid dreams, there are techniques you can try to increase the likelihood of having one. Additionally, recent research shows that lucid dreaming may be beneficial for overall sleep quality. So keep dreaming and who knows, maybe you’ll have an exciting lucid dream soon!
Bibliographic references
- LaBerge, S. (1985). Lucid dreaming. Los Angeles, CA: JP Tarcher.
- Stumbrys, T., Erlacher, D., & Schredl, M. (2016). Effectiveness of motor practice in lucid dreams: A comparison with physical and mental practice. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(1), 27-34.
- Baird, B., Mota-Rolim, S.A., & Dresler, M. (2019). The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 100, 305-323.
- Baird, B., Castelnovo, A., Gosseries, O., Tononi, G., & Postle, BR (2020). Lucid dreaming: A model for consciousness research. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 108, 177-191.
- Baird, B., Dresler, M., & Benveniste, M. (2020). The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming. In The Cambridge Handbook of Consciousness (pp. 708-731). Cambridge University Press.
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