Lucid dreaming 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 is conscious of their consciousness and can often control what happens in the dream. Lucid dreaming usually occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the dream-stage of sleep. It is estimated that 55% of people have had one or more lucid dreams in their lifetime.
Lucid dreaming has been studied extensively, and researchers have discovered therapeutic benefits of lucid dreaming. It may be useful in treating conditions such as PTSD, recurring nightmares, and anxiety. Lucid dreaming techniques can train the mind to be conscious of consciousness during sleep and help regain or maintain consciousness as one enters REM sleep.
There are various approaches to stimulate lucid dreaming and help train a person to lucid dream, such as keeping a dream journal, reality testing, and mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD). However, it is important to note that frequent lucid dreams might decrease sleep quality or affect ones mental health.
Lucid dreaming is a trainable skill, and the practice of lucid dreaming is central to both the ancient Indian Hindu practice of Yoga nidra and the Tibetan Buddhist practice of dream Yoga. If you are interested in lucid dreaming, you can try the techniques listed above, but it is best to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms that may indicate PTSD, a mental health issue, or a sleep disorder.
