what is a lucid dream

A lucid dream is a type of dream in which the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming while they are dreaming. During a lucid dream, the dreamer may gain some amount of control over the dream characters and environment. Lucid dreams are most common during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a period of very deep sleep marked by eye motion, faster breathing, and more brain activity. Some researchers believe that lucid dreams may also happen just before or after REM sleep. Lucid dreams can be induced using different methods, including reality testing, wake back to bed, and mnemonic induction of lucid dreams. Lucid dreaming has been associated with therapeutic benefits, such as treating conditions like PTSD, recurring nightmares, and anxiety. However, some researchers have introduced another problem with lucid dreams: they are potentially disruptive to sleep and can decrease sleep quality and have a negative effect on sleep hygiene.