Lucid dreaming: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Are you dreaming.gif ‎|thumbnail|right|An accurate representation of how text may appear within a dream.]]

A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon~~<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucid_dream</ref>~~ that can occur during normal sleep. Various techniques can be learned to consistently [[Induction technique|induce lucid dreams]] at will. These techniques can be utilized as a powerful method of consciousness exploration, making lucid dreaming an important field of [[psychonautics]]. This article serves as a descriptive and comprehensive breakdown, analysis, and instructional guide regarding dreams and the behavior of their general content, their inherent limitations, and the skill sets necessary to consciously utilize them as powerful methods of self-exploration.

A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon that can occur during normal sleep. Various techniques can be learned to consistently [[Induction technique|induce lucid dreams]] at will; There are two classifications of the dreams these techniques would result in which were established by Dr. Stephen LaBerge; [[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD) and [[wake initiated lucid dream]] (WILD), denoting whether the lucidity is established during a dream or while awake. Dr. Stephen LaBerge also developed an induction technique which he titled MILD (Mnemonic Initiated Lucid Dream), the similar naming convention has lead to confusion as MILD is technically a combination of complimentary techniques, and not a classification of techniques itself, in fact in the instance in which it was coined it falls into the category of [[DILD]].

Some individuals also experiment with dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]], substances believed to enhance dream vividness, though much of the evidence for these is anecdotal. These techniques offer different pathways to achieving lucidity in dreams, catering to various preferences and experiences of aspiring lucid dreamers.

These techniques can be utilized as a powerful method of consciousness exploration, making lucid dreaming an important field of [[psychonautics]]. This article serves as a descriptive and comprehensive breakdown, analysis, and instructional guide regarding dreams and the behavior of their general content, their inherent limitations, and the skill sets necessary to consciously utilize them as powerful methods of self-exploration.

==Techniques==

Despite powerful senses of delirium and plot acceptance, there are moments within dreams in which a person becomes aware of the fact that they are dreaming, allowing one to control the dream and its circumstances. These are known as lucid dreams: any dream in which, for an uninterrupted and prolonged amount of time, one is consciously aware that they are dreaming.

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*'''Keeping a dream journal''' - Writing out any and all details within a daily dream log will drastically improve one's ability to recall their dreams. Preferably, this should be done immediately after waking up if possible, as it will quickly change one's memory into one which is attentive to its own dreams. The writing style should be in the first person and in the present tense to further improve one's ability to recall the specific plot as it is written down. If there was no dream the previous night, simply write down "I did not dream last night," then continue to use the journal as usual the next day.

*'''Use memory signifiers''' - If one is prone to waking up in the middle of the night, knowing that a dream will likely be forgotten the moment one falls back to sleep, simply arrange a random object in such a way that it is clearly out of place, making it easily noticed in the morning. Examples of this would be turning a drinking glass upside down or putting an object on one's computer keyboard. This will act as a powerful memory trigger when it is seen the next day, allowing one to write the dream down in their dream journal.

*'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>Marijuana, Sleep and Dreams | ~~http~~://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/200906/marijuana-sleep-and-dreams</ref> Once a person stops smoking marijuana before bed, however, REM activity undergoes a rebound effect and dreams will temporarily become much more vivid than usual.

*'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>{{Citation | title=Marijuana, Sleep, and Dreams | publisher=Psychology Today | url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teenage-mind/200906/marijuana-sleep-and-dreams}}</ref> Once a person stops smoking marijuana before bed, however, REM activity undergoes a rebound effect and dreams will temporarily become much more vivid than usual.

===Reality checks===

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*'''Eating food''' - Another great activity within the dreamscape is eating food. This results in food which tastes even richer and more detailed than any food found within real life, and is extremely pleasurable.

===~~Alternative/Advanced techniques~~===

===Specific induction methods===

Most lucid dreamers practice specific techniques that aim to increase their chances of becoming lucid. The efficacy of some techniques, mainly MILD, could be no more than a placebo, however they do work for most lucid dreamers. It is important to remember when attempting a technique that some techniques work better for some people whilst others do not. It is important to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. However with most things in life, for the techniques to be effective it requires patience. Try to avoid switching between techniques more than once a month as you could potentially spoil your progress on a certain technique, even if you have had no results yet. It is also possible to combine techniques, however beginners are recommended to stick to one and get good at it.

*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming (FILD)]]''' - FILD is defined as waking up from sleep, then doing light repetitive movements with the fingers as if one were playing the piano with their index and middle finger and allowing the body to drift off to sleep while the mind stays quiet, but conscious, until a dream is perceived. This process usually lasts for several seconds to a few minutes.

*'''[[All Day Awareness]] (ADA)''' - This is a technique which involves maintaining complete, mindful focus on the present moment, all day and every day. This allows one to remain completely aware even when they are dreaming. This is perhaps the most effective and effort-intensive lucid dreaming technique. It can be read about in detail [http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-techniques/113253-all-day-awareness-dild-tutorial-kingyoshi.html here].

*'''[[~~Wake~~ Induced Lucid ~~Dreaming (WILD)]~~]''' - This is a technique in which one maintains consciousness while their body falls asleep. It can be read about in detail [http://www.reddit.com/r/LucidDreaming/comments/trz9z/beginners_wild_method_adjustments_tricks_and_tips/ here].

*'''[[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD)''' - refer to any lucid dream where the dreamer becomes aware that they are in a dream while inside it.

*'''[[Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream (MILD)]]''' - In short, MILD is telling oneself as they are in bed, ready to sleep, that they are going to become lucid once they start dreaming, then visualizing oneself in a dream becoming lucid. This should be repeated until one falls asleep.

*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming]] (FILD)''' - FILD is defined as waking up from sleep, then doing light repetitive movements with the fingers as if one were playing the piano with their index and middle finger and allowing the body to drift off to sleep while the mind stays quiet, but conscious, until a dream is perceived. This process usually lasts for several seconds to a few minutes.

*'''[[~~All Day Awareness~~ (~~ADA~~)]]''' - This is a technique which ~~involves maintaining complete, mindful focus on the present moment, all day and every day. This allows~~ one ~~to remain completely aware even when they are dreaming. This is perhaps the most effective and effort-intensive lucid dreaming technique~~. It can be read about in detail [http://www.~~dreamviews~~.com/~~induction-techniques~~/~~113253~~-~~all-day-awareness-dild-tutorial-kingyoshi~~.~~html here~~].

*'''[[Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream]] (MILD)''' - In short, MILD is telling oneself as they are in bed, ready to sleep, that they are going to become lucid once they start dreaming, then visualizing oneself in a dream becoming lucid. This should be repeated until one falls asleep.

*'''[[Wake initiated lucid dream|Wake initiated lucid dream (WILD)]]''' - This is a technique in which one maintains consciousness while their body falls asleep. It can be read about in detail [http://www.reddit.com/r/LucidDreaming/comments/trz9z/beginners_wild_method_adjustments_tricks_and_tips/ here].

*'''Use of dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]]''' - Certain foods or dietary supplements reportedly modify the quality of dreaming, but this is mostly backed by anecdotal evidence only. There also exists [[oneirogens]], substances specifically used to induce vivid dreams.

==Subjective effects==

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*[[Responsible use]]

*[[Dream initiated lucid dream]]

*[[Induction technique]]

*[[Oneironautics]]

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[[Category:Oneironautics]]

[[Category:Psychonautics]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:Are you dreaming.gif ‎|thumbnail|right|An accurate representation of how text may appear within a dream.]]
-A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucid_dream</ref> that can occur during normal sleep. Various techniques can be learned to consistently [[Induction technique|induce lucid dreams]] at will. These techniques can be utilized as a powerful method of consciousness exploration, making lucid dreaming an important field of [[psychonautics]]. This article serves as a descriptive and comprehensive breakdown, analysis, and instructional guide regarding dreams and the behavior of their general content, their inherent limitations, and the skill sets necessary to consciously utilize them as powerful methods of self-exploration.
+A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon that can occur during normal sleep. Various techniques can be learned to consistently [[Induction technique|induce lucid dreams]] at will; There are two classifications of the dreams these techniques would result in which were established by Dr. Stephen LaBerge; [[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD) and [[wake initiated lucid dream]] (WILD), denoting whether the lucidity is established during a dream or while awake. Dr. Stephen LaBerge also developed an induction technique which he titled MILD (Mnemonic Initiated Lucid Dream), the similar naming convention has lead to confusion as MILD is technically a combination of complimentary techniques, and not a classification of techniques itself, in fact in the instance in which it was coined it falls into the category of [[DILD]].
+Some individuals also experiment with dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]], substances believed to enhance dream vividness, though much of the evidence for these is anecdotal. These techniques offer different pathways to achieving lucidity in dreams, catering to various preferences and experiences of aspiring lucid dreamers.
+These techniques can be utilized as a powerful method of consciousness exploration, making lucid dreaming an important field of [[psychonautics]]. This article serves as a descriptive and comprehensive breakdown, analysis, and instructional guide regarding dreams and the behavior of their general content, their inherent limitations, and the skill sets necessary to consciously utilize them as powerful methods of self-exploration.
 ==Techniques==
 Despite powerful senses of delirium and plot acceptance, there are moments within dreams in which a person becomes aware of the fact that they are dreaming, allowing one to control the dream and its circumstances. These are known as lucid dreams: any dream in which, for an uninterrupted and prolonged amount of time, one is consciously aware that they are dreaming.
@@ Line 11: / Line 17: @@
 *'''Keeping a dream journal''' - Writing out any and all details within a daily dream log will drastically improve one's ability to recall their dreams. Preferably, this should be done immediately after waking up if possible, as it will quickly change one's memory into one which is attentive to its own dreams. The writing style should be in the first person and in the present tense to further improve one's ability to recall the specific plot as it is written down. If there was no dream the previous night, simply write down "I did not dream last night," then continue to use the journal as usual the next day.
 *'''Use memory signifiers''' - If one is prone to waking up in the middle of the night, knowing that a dream will likely be forgotten the moment one falls back to sleep, simply arrange a random object in such a way that it is clearly out of place, making it easily noticed in the morning. Examples of this would be turning a drinking glass upside down or putting an object on one's computer keyboard. This will act as a powerful memory trigger when it is seen the next day, allowing one to write the dream down in their dream journal.
-*'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>Marijuana, Sleep and Dreams | http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/200906/marijuana-sleep-and-dreams</ref>  Once a person stops smoking marijuana before bed, however, REM activity undergoes a rebound effect and dreams will temporarily become much more vivid than usual.
+*'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>{{Citation | title=Marijuana, Sleep, and Dreams | publisher=Psychology Today | url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teenage-mind/200906/marijuana-sleep-and-dreams}}</ref>  Once a person stops smoking marijuana before bed, however, REM activity undergoes a rebound effect and dreams will temporarily become much more vivid than usual.
 ===Reality checks===
@@ Line 51: / Line 57: @@
 *'''Eating food''' - Another great activity within the dreamscape is eating food. This results in food which tastes even richer and more detailed than any food found within real life, and is extremely pleasurable.
-===Alternative/Advanced techniques===
+===Specific induction methods===
 Most lucid dreamers practice specific techniques that aim to increase their chances of becoming lucid. The efficacy of some techniques, mainly MILD, could be no more than a placebo, however they do work for most lucid dreamers. It is important to remember when attempting a technique that some techniques work better for some people whilst others do not. It is important to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. However with most things in life, for the techniques to be effective it requires patience. Try to avoid switching between techniques more than once a month as you could potentially spoil your progress on a certain technique, even if you have had no results yet. It is also possible to combine techniques, however beginners are recommended to stick to one and get good at it.
-*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming (FILD)]]''' - FILD is defined as waking up from sleep, then doing light repetitive movements with the fingers as if one were playing the piano with their index and middle finger and allowing the body to drift off to sleep while the mind stays quiet, but conscious, until a dream is perceived. This process usually lasts for several seconds to a few minutes.
+*'''[[All Day Awareness]] (ADA)''' - This is a technique which involves maintaining complete, mindful focus on the present moment, all day and every day. This allows one to remain completely aware even when they are dreaming. This is perhaps the most effective and effort-intensive lucid dreaming technique. It can be read about in detail [http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-techniques/113253-all-day-awareness-dild-tutorial-kingyoshi.html here].
-*'''[[Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming (WILD)]]''' -  This is a technique in which one maintains consciousness while their body falls asleep.  It can be read about in detail [http://www.reddit.com/r/LucidDreaming/comments/trz9z/beginners_wild_method_adjustments_tricks_and_tips/ here].
+*'''[[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD)''' - refer to any lucid dream where the dreamer becomes aware that they are in a dream while inside it.
-*'''[[Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream (MILD)]]''' - In short, MILD is telling oneself as they are in bed, ready to sleep, that they are going to become lucid once they start dreaming, then visualizing oneself in a dream becoming lucid. This should be repeated until one falls asleep.
+*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming]] (FILD)''' - FILD is defined as waking up from sleep, then doing light repetitive movements with the fingers as if one were playing the piano with their index and middle finger and allowing the body to drift off to sleep while the mind stays quiet, but conscious, until a dream is perceived. This process usually lasts for several seconds to a few minutes.
-*'''[[All Day Awareness (ADA)]]''' - This is a technique which involves maintaining complete, mindful focus on the present moment, all day and every day. This allows one to remain completely aware even when they are dreaming. This is perhaps the most effective and effort-intensive lucid dreaming technique. It can be read about in detail [http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-techniques/113253-all-day-awareness-dild-tutorial-kingyoshi.html here].
+*'''[[Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream]] (MILD)''' - In short, MILD is telling oneself as they are in bed, ready to sleep, that they are going to become lucid once they start dreaming, then visualizing oneself in a dream becoming lucid. This should be repeated until one falls asleep.
+*'''[[Wake initiated lucid dream|Wake initiated lucid dream (WILD)]]''' -  This is a technique in which one maintains consciousness while their body falls asleep.  It can be read about in detail [http://www.reddit.com/r/LucidDreaming/comments/trz9z/beginners_wild_method_adjustments_tricks_and_tips/ here].
+*'''Use of dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]]''' - Certain foods or dietary supplements reportedly modify the quality of dreaming, but this is mostly backed by anecdotal evidence only. There also exists [[oneirogens]], substances specifically used to induce vivid dreams.
 ==Subjective effects==
@@ Line 115: / Line 123: @@
 *[[Responsible use]]
-*[[Dream initiated lucid dream]]
 *[[Induction technique]]
 *[[Oneironautics]]
@@ Line 128: / Line 135: @@
 [[Category:Oneironautics]]
 [[Category:Psychonautics]]
+{{#set:Featured=true}}