Movies like Inception have popularized lucid dreaming. This film features remarkable dream artisans who’ve been able to manipulate the shape and content of their dreams, as well as the dreams of others.
Such acts of dream manipulation may not really be feasible to a certain extent in our real lives, and they’re not entirely absent. In fact, a number of people are capable of experiencing something called lucid dreaming, and some of them are even capable of controlling certain aspects of their nightly dreams.
According to some research, at some point in their lives, about half of all people had a lucid dream, and about 11 percent had one or two lucid dreams a month.
What is lucid dreaming?
Usually, when we’re dreaming, we don’t realize that the dream isn’t real. As Inception ‘s character quite rightly puts it, “Well, dreams, they feel real while we’re in them, don’t they? It’s only when we wake up that we realize that something really was strange.
Even so, some people are capable of entering into a dream and being fully aware of the fact that they are actually dreaming.
“A lucid dream is defined as a dream in which dreamers, while dreaming, know they ‘re dreaming,” experts explain.
When does it happen, and what is it like?
Like most dreams, lucid dreaming usually occurs during rapid eye movement ( REM) sleep. It happens naturally to some people, but some train themselves to start dreaming lucidly.
The extent to which a person can affect his dream also ranges. Some people may just wake up instantly after they realize they’ve been dreaming about it. Other people may be able to manipulate their own decisions within a dream.
How to experience lucid dreams
Get more REM sleep
Seeing as lucid dreaming usually takes place during REM sleep, spending more time at this phase will boost your odds of lucid dreaming.
To practice good sleep hygiene:
- Follow a sleep schedule.
- Exercise daily.
- Avoid electronics before bed.
- Create a relaxing sleep environment.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Even if you don’t lucid dream, these habits will help you get restorative sleep.
Keep a dream journal
Many people use a dream diary to help a lucid dream. Writing down your dreams is forcing you to remember them. This is supposed to help your brain become more aware of dreaming.
Practice reality testing
Your level of consciousness is similar when you’re awake and dreaming. So, by increasing your awareness during your waking state, you can enhance your awareness during your dreaming state.
- Push your fingers against your opposite palm. If they pass through, you are dreaming.
- Mirrors. In a dream state, your reflection won’t look normal.
- Pinch your nose. You’ll be able to breathe if you’re in a dream.
- Look away from the text then look back again. If you’re dreaming, the text will change.
- If you have tattoos, look at them. They’ll look different in a dream.
Choose one reality check and do it several times a day.
Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-lucid-dreaming
