The latest science on lucid dreaming suggests there is a way to control your dreams. However, it requires some practice.
Have you ever wondered if you could control your dreams? If so, lucid dreaming should pique your interest. The latest science on lucid dreaming suggests that there may be a way to hack your dreams and control them.
While lucid dreaming is a term that carries negative and even scary connotations, it is often mixed up with terms such as sleep paralysis and lucid nightmares. However, when done right, lucid dreaming can lead to positive dream content and even better waking mood.
What is lucid dreaming?
By definition, lucid dreaming is something that allows people to become aware of the fact they are dreaming and have the ability to control those dreams. This can happen either accidentally (though this is rare) or be induced through behavioural, cognitive or technological strategies.
While scientists have been studying lucid dreaming for quite some time now, recent research suggests that lucid dreaming shows potential therapeutic benefits which can help alleviate recurring nightmares, provide some relief for depression and anxiety symptoms, and even help athletes train in their disciplines.
How scientists are studying lucid dreams
In order to study lucid dreams, scientists have come up with a technique to verify that people do, in fact, can control their dreams. They’ve asked participants to move their eyes in a distinct, pre-agreed sequence during REM sleep while looking for this sequence in the electrooculogram – technology that tracks eye movement during sleep. The results show this eye sequence distinctly within the electrooculogram, verifying that it is possible to hack your dreams and control them.
While some have lucid dreams quite often, a big majority of people need training to be able to control them.
How you might hack your dreams
There are a couple of ways to hack your dreams:
Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams
The MILD seems to be one of the most effective ways to control your dreams and it includes creating an intention to recognise when you’re dreaming and carrying that as you’re trying to fall asleep. Try to remember a dream you’ve had and carry the details of that dream into your sleep.
Senses initiated lucid dreams
While a newer and less studied technique, SILD is all about using your senses, such as vision, hearing and body sensations to stimulate lucid dreaming. This includes closing the eyes and focusing on what appears, listening to your environment and your body. Repeat this cycle around six times, spending at least 20 seconds on each.
Wake back to bed
This technique involves waking up at night, at least five hours after you first fall asleep, staying awake for anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, and then falling back to sleep. While awake, incorporate techniques such as MILD and SILD to ensure lucid dreaming.
Reality tests
Reality tests are all about building a habit of asking yourself questions such as ‘Am I dreaming?’ and trying to breathe through your mouth with your lips closed, as well as trying to push your index finger through the palm of the opposite hand. Do this at least 10 times a day when you’re awake – this will carry into your dreams too.
Dream journal
Keeping a journal of your dreams with as much detail as possible might also stimulate lucid dreaming in the future. Combine this with other techniques for the best possible chance to hack your dreams.
Start your journey to lucid dreaming
While science suggests that hacking and controlling your dreams is possible, more research is needed to determine the full benefits of it. Putting sleep quality first should be a priority, and this starts with a high-quality mattress. Find a store near you and test-drive the Mammoth range of premium mattresses to kickstart your journey to lucid dreaming.