New Lucid Dream Research Supports Brainwave Entrainment Theory

New lucid dream research at the Neurological Laboratory in Frankfurt, Germany, has proven that lucid dreaming is not merely a REM dreaming phenomenon - but a unique state of consciousness.

As Ryan Hurd, editor of Dream Studies, reported in the recent September 2009 issue of the Lucid Dream Exchange, "lucid dreams are shown to differ from ordinary (REM) dreams by an increased brain frequency in the 40 Hz (or GAMMA) range in the frontal and frontolateral areas of the brain." Many scientists consider these areas the seat of linguistic thought - and higher awareness.

A Hybrid State of Consciousness

What does this new lucid dream research mean? Well, while experts have considered lucid dreaming a mixed state of REM dreaming and waking cognition for many years, this new EEG evidence proves that a new state exists.

This hybrid state of waking and dreaming fits well with Allan Hobson's AIM model for sleep cognition. The AIM model predicts different levels of consciousness based on three features:

whether the imagery is sourced internally or externally
the activation levels of the brain
the modulation of the state by brain chemicals

Lucid dreaming can now be mapped as a completely separate state from REM dreaming - thanks to the GAMMA brainwave frequency now associated with it.

A "Thumbs Up" for Brainwave Entrainment

The detection of this increased GAMMA brainwave frequency bodes well for lucid dreaming with brainwave entrainment. In the past, many people (including myself) have reported successful lucid dreams through brainwave entrainment MP3s that guide the brain into the optimum state for lucid dreaming.

Now, this German lucid dream research may provide hard evidence for this mechanism. Indeed, high levels of meditation have been scientifically linked with the GAMMA brainwave frequency range (Lutz et al, 2004) and even the ability to be hypnotized (De Pascalis, 1993). There is also a scientific link between regular meditation to achieve altered states and the ability to lucid dream.

Interested in using brainwave entrainment to experience more lucid dreams on demand? My favorite is the Lucid Dreaming MP3 by Unexplainable Store, which guides your brain into a sleepy, meditative state to initiate REM dreaming, then back to the GAMMA band to trigger lucid dreaming...

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