| Lucid Dreaming |
Article Index for Lucid |
Website Links For Lucid |
Information AboutLucid Dreaming |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT LUCID DREAM | |
| dreaming | |
| lucid dreams | |
|
A lucid dream is a Dream in which the person is aware that he or she is dreaming while the dream is in progress. During lucid dreams, it is often possible to exert Conscious control over the dream characters and environment, as well as to perform otherwise physically impossible feats. A lucid dream can begin in one of two ways. A dream-initiated lucid dream ('''DILD''') starts as a normal dream, and the dreamer eventually logically concludes that he or she is dreaming, or a '''wake-initiated lucid dream''' ('''WILD''') occurs when the dreamer goes from a normal Waking State directly into a dream state with no apparent lapse in Consciousness . Lucid dreaming has been researched scientifically, and its existence is well established. Researchers such as Allan Hobson , with his Neurophysiological approach to dreaming, have helped to push the understanding of lucid dreaming into a less speculative realm. SCIENTIFIC HISTORY The first book on lucid dreams to recognize their scientific potential was Celia Green 's 1968 study ''Lucid Dreams''. Reviewing the past literature, as well as new data from subjects of her own, Green analyzed the main characteristics of such dreams, and concluded that they were a category of experience quite distinct from ordinary dreams. She predicted that they would turn out to be associated with REM Sleep . Green was also the first to link lucid dreams to the phenomenon of False Awakening s. Philosopher Norman Malcolm 's 1959 text ''Dreaming'' argued against the possibility of checking the accuracy of dream reports. However, the realisation that eye movements performed in dreams affected the dreamer's physical eyes provided a way to prove that actions agreed upon during waking life could be recalled and performed once lucid in a dream. The first evidence of this type was produced in the late 1970s by British Parapsychologist Keith Hearne . A volunteer named Alan Worsley used eye movement to signal the onset of lucidity, which were recorded by a Polysomnograph machine. Hearne's results were not widely distributed. The first peer reviewed article was published some years later by Stephen LaBerge at Stanford University who had independently developed a similar technique as part of his doctoral dissertation. During the 1980s, further Scientific evidence to confirm the existence of lucid dreaming was produced as lucid dreamers were able to demonstrate to researchers that they were consciously aware of being in a dream state (again, primarily using eye movement signals). Additionally, techniques were developed which have been experimentally proven to enhance the likelihood of achieving this state. Research on techniques and effects of lucid dreaming continues at a number of universities and other centers such as LaBerge's The Lucidity Institute . RESEARCH AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS Neurobiological model and the Parieto-occipital Junction Cortex stay active. In order to verify the predictions of this hypothesis it would be necessary to observe the brain during lucid dreaming using a method such as a PET Scan , which captures a snapshot of the blood flow to the brain. No such experiment has yet been performed. Treatment for nightmares People who suffer from Nightmare s would benefit from the ability to be aware they are dreaming. A pilot study was performed in 2006 that showed lucid dreaming treatment was successful in reducing nightmare frequency. This treatment consisted of exposure to the idea, mastery of the technique, and lucidity exercises. The unlimited control enables the dreamer to achieve empowerment over their nightmare or real-life fear. Learning to confront fears in dreams can help confrontation in reality. It was not clear what aspect of the treatment were responsible for the success of overcoming nightmares, though the treatment as a whole was successful. Perception of time while lucid dreaming The rate that time passes while lucid dreaming has been shown to be about the same as while waking. In 1985 LaBerge performed a pilot study where lucid dreamers counted from one to ten (one-one thousand, two-one thousand, etc.) while dreaming, signaling the end of counting with a pre-arranged eye signal measured with Electrooculogram recording.LaBerge, S.(2000). Lucid dreaming: Evidence and methodology . Behavioral and Brain Sciences 23(6), 962-3. The study was repeated in 2004 by researchers in Germany and LaBerge's results were duplicated. The German study by Erlacher, D. & Schredl, M also studied motor activity and found that deep knee bends took 44% longer to perform while lucid dreaming.Erlacher, D. & Schredl, M. (2004). Required time for motor activities in lucid dreams . Perceptual and Motor Skills, 99, 1239-1242. Near-death and out-of-body experiences CULTURAL HISTORY Even though it has only come to the attention of the general public in the last few decades, lucid dreaming is not a modern discovery.
INDUCTION METHODS Many people report having experienced a lucid dream during their lives, often in childhood. Children seem to have lucid dreams more easily than do adults. Although lucid dreaming is a conditioned skill,LaBerge, Stephen, (1980). ''Lucid dreaming as a learnable skill: A case study''. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 51, 1039-1042. achieving lucid dreams on a regular basis can be difficult and is uncommon, even with training. Over time, several techniques have been developed to achieve a lucid dreaming state intentionally. The following are common factors that influence lucid dreaming, and techniques that people use to help achieve a lucid dream: Dream recall Dream recall is simply the ability to remember dreams. Having good dream recall is often proposed as the first step towards lucid dreaming. A better dream recall ability increases awareness of dreams in general, and a limited dream recall can cause one to forget entirely any lucid dreams. The main technique used to improve dream recall is to keep a Dream Journal , writing down any dreams remembered the moment one awakes. It is important to record the dreams as quickly as possible as there is a strong tendency to forget what one has dreamt.Stephen LaBerge (1989). How to Remember Your Dreams . Nightlight 1(1), The Lucidity Institute. It is also suggested that one's dream journal be recorded in the present tense. Describing an experience as if presently in it can help the writer to recall more accurately the events of their dream. Dream recall can also be improved if one does not move a muscle after waking. This seems to help because during REM sleep, REM Atonia is achieved (a state in which the motor neurons are not stimulated and thus the body's muscles do not move). If one purposely prevents motor neurons from firing immediately after waking from a dream, recalling said dream becomes easier. Similarly, the dreamer may recall certain events of their dream by testing different sleeping positions. The outside world plays a role in the course of dreams, and the body's position is sometimes connected to that of the dream body's. Reality testing Reality testing (also referred to as reality checking) is a common method used by people to determine whether or not they are dreaming. It involves performing an action with results that will be different if the tester is dreaming. By practicing these tests during waking life, one may eventually decide to perform one while dreaming, which will usually fail, hopefully letting the dreamer realize that he/she is dreaming. Common reality tests include:
Dream signs Another form of reality testing involves identifying one's Dream Sign s, clues that one is dreaming. Dream signs are often categorized as follows:
Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD) The ''MILD'' technique is a common technique used to induce a lucid dream at will by setting an intention, while falling asleep, to remember to recognize that one is dreaming, or to remember to look for Dream Sign s when one is in a dream. Wake-back-to-bed (WBTB) The ''wake-back-to-bed'' technique is often the easiest way to encourage a lucid dream. The method involves going to sleep tired and waking up five hours later. Then, focusing all thoughts on lucid dreaming, staying awake for an hour and going back to sleep while practicing the MILD method. A 60% success rate has been shown in research using this technique.Stephen LaBerge, Leslie Phillips, Lynne Levitan (1994). An Hour of Wakefulness Before Morning Naps Makes Lucidity More Likely . NightLight 6(3). The Lucidity Institute. This is because the REM cycles get longer as the night goes on, and this technique takes advantage of the best REM cycle of the night. Because this REM cycle is longer and deeper, gaining lucidity during this time may result in a more lengthy lucid dream. Cycle adjustment technique (CAT) The cycle adjustment technique, developed by Daniel Love, is an effective way to induce lucid dreaming. It involves adjusting one's sleep cycle to encourage awareness during the latter part of the sleep. First, the person wakes up 90 minutes before normal wake time until their sleep cycle begins to adjust. After this, the normal wake times and early wake times alternate. On the days with the normal wake times, the body is ready to wake up, and this increases alertness, making lucidity more likely. Wake-initiation of lucid dreams (WILD) The ''wake-initiated lucid dream'' "occurs when the sleeper enters REM sleep with unbroken stage, which is within the border of being awake and being Asleep . If a person is successful in staying aware while this stage occurs, he or she will eventually enter the dream state while being fully aware that it is a dream. There are key times at which this state is best entered; while success at night after being awake for a long time is very difficult, it is relatively easy after being awake for 15 or so minutes and in the afternoon during a nap. Techniques for inducing WILDs abound. Dreamers may count, envision themselves climbing or descending stairs, chant to themselves, explore elaborate, passive sexual fantasies, control their breathing, counting their breaths to keep their thoughts from drifting, concentrate on relaxing their body from their toes to their head, allow images to flow through their "mind's eye" and envision themselves jumping into the image, to maintain concentration and keep their mind awake, while still being calm enough to let their body sleep. During the actual transition into the dream state, one is likely to experience Sleep Paralysis , including rapid vibrations, a sequence of loud sounds and a feeling of twirling into another state of body awareness, "to drift off into another dimension". Also there is frequently a sensation of falling rapidly or dropping through the bed as one enters the dream state. After the transition there may be the sensation of entering a dark black room from which one can induce any dream scenario of one's choosing, simply by concentrating on it. The key to success is not to panic, especially during the transition, which can be quite sudden. Induction devices Lucid dream induction is possible by the use of a physical device. The general principle works by taking advantage of the natural phenomenon of incorporating external stimuli into one's dreams. Usually a device is worn while sleeping that can detect when the sleeper enters a REM phase and triggers a noise and/or flashing lights with the goal of these stimuli being incorporated into the dreamer's dream. For example flashing lights might be translated to a car's headlights in a dream. A well known dream induction device is the Nova Dreamer which has been discontinued is still in production. Additional techniques
|
|
|