Lucid Dreaming FAQ

Are you really sure that a floor can't also be a ceiling?

~M.C. Escher

What is lucid dreaming?

Lucid dreaming is "waking up" inside a dream. It occurs when you realize you are dreaming. Most people will have one or two lucid dreams in their lifetime by accident. But with practice, you can learn how to have lucid dreams almost every night and act out your greatest fantasies. All it takes is understanding a few lucid dreaming techniques.

People rave about lucid dreaming because it sets them free. Once you learn to control your dreams, you can change the scenery and plot at will.

You can explore places that mankind has never been to, like the depths of the oceans or the edge of the universe. You can travel forward in time, fly to the moon, or run like a cheetah. There are no limits.

How do I know when I'm lucid?

If you use the popular MILD lucid dreaming technique, there will be a moment when you realize you're dreaming. It is a sudden realization, often accompanied by a new mental clarity. Hence the term "lucid" - which means clear perception or understanding. Although it may be short (especially in the early days), you will know when you have had a lucid dream.

The act of becoming lucid involves your conscious brain. So lucid dreams look and feel a lot like real life. The more you practice lucid dreaming techniques, the more you learn to observe and control your surroundings. You can focus on distant landscapes, feel the texture of the grass underfoot, and taste any food you can imagine.

Remember that features of a lucid dream can spontaneously change just like a normal dream. For instance, you may manifest a group of bear cubs which later change into a pile of boxes. Of course, you can easily call the bear cubs back again! But don't be surprised if you notice these things happening which seem "out of your control". If you are able to think clearly and decide what to do next - then you are still lucid dreaming.

What should I do when I become lucid? Before going off on your adventures, you should try to increase your awareness to stay lucid. This will help prolong the lucid experience and keep you "tuned in" to the details. There are tricks that can help bring your consciousness to the surface. Try some of the following: rub your hands together spin around say "clarity now!" remember what day it is work out a sum remember your dream intention

How can I stay lucid for longer?

If your lucid dream is coming to an end, you will notice your senses fading away - starting with vision and finishing with touch. It can happen within seconds so you need to act fast to stay lucid.

In his lucid dreaming FAQ, lucidity expert Stephen LaBerge recommends spinning around, falling backwards, or rubbing your hands together. This physical stimulation gives the conscious mind a "hook" for staying in the dream, and directs attention away from the sleeping body. It also causes new dream scenes to emerge.

Another easy lucid dreaming technique is to repeat phrases like "I am dreaming" or "this is a lucid dream" to maintain awareness of the dreamscape.

How can I change the scenery?

Making a dream scene morph in front of your eyes is difficult - mainly because you simply don't expect it to happen.

Instead, the best way to change the scene is to walk through a door and find new scenery on the other side. Or try changing the channel on a TV, then jumping into the screen. Another idea is to imagine the new scene behind you, then simply turn around.

The most important thing is to really believe that it will happen. Otherwise you end up in a battle of logic with your conscious brain!

How can I have flying dreams?

I haven't seen this one in any other lucid dreaming FAQ. And yet it's something we all want to master! Basically, it's not normal for people to fly in real life. So when we have flying dreams, the brain can have trouble believing it. You might find that you can only get so high - or you convince yourself you will fall. This is not a physical problem, but a mental one.

Think of the movie The Matrix, when Morpheus asks Neo how he beat him in a virtual reality fight. Was it because he was stronger, faster, or fitter in this simulated world? No! It was because he truly believed he was better. It's the same concept ;)

To nurture this belief and have wonderful flying dreams, start by hopping or bouncing along the dreamscape, gradually allowing yourself to get higher. Really believe that you can do it, and try to release any fear of falling. Remember that it's a dream and you can't get hurt. With practice, you will soon be soaring above the clouds and flying over cities like Superman.

Are lucid dreams tiring?

The average person has seven normal dreams per night, each lasting up to 45 minutes. During that time, the brain is highly active in REM sleep. When you become lucid the level of brain activity does not increase noticeably. So lucid dreams are no more physically demanding than normal dreams.

What's more, lucid dreaming is much more exciting than normal dreams. When you wake up after a lucid dream, you are likely to feel happy, inspired and energized. Compare this to normal dreams (or even nightmares) and you can see why lucid dreaming has so many powerful life benefits!

Is lucid dreaming dangerous?

Studies have shown that REM sleep is vital to us all. People who are deprived of it experience hallucinations and paranoia within a matter of days. They also try to "micro sleep", lapsing in and out of consciousness for seconds at a time.

Just like normal dreaming, lucid dreaming is a product of REM sleep. The fact that you are conscious in the dream makes no difference. You still get the same amount of REM sleep. So lucid dreaming is completely safe.

(There is a fascinating but tragic disease known as Fatal Familial Insomnia. Sufferers of this rare genetic condition start to have trouble sleeping once they are middle aged, until one day they can no longer sleep at all. There is no cure, and sleeping pills only cause the symptoms to get worse. The loss of REM sleep inevitably ends in a slow and cruel death.)

Anyway, the point to remember is that lucid dreaming and normal dreaming are interchangeable when it comes to REM sleep. You are not putting yourself at any risk by learning to control your dreams.

Can I get stuck in a lucid dream?

I wish!! Often the opposite is true - people are ejected from their lucid dreams long before they are ready.

You can't get stuck in a lucid dream any more than you could in a normal dream. In fact, in a lucid dream you can wake yourself up at any moment. I also use this technique for escaping from nightmares. Either shout "WAKE UP!" or just tightly close and open your eyes (this triggers your real eyes to open). However, I think you'd be mad to end a lucid dream on purpose!

Can I talk to my subconscious in a lucid dream?

In dreams, we have easy access to our subconscious mind. It is right there - setting up the imagery and guiding the plot.

Once you become lucid, the simplest way to communicate with your subconscious is to personify it. Create a dream character that you are happy to talk to, and then start asking open and honest questions. You may be surprised by some of the answers you get!

If I die in a dream, will I die in real life?

No, this is a myth. I've died a few times in dreams - and I'm still here ;)

I once died in a dream of epic proportions. Without ever becoming lucid, I was standing on the roof of one of the Twin Towers in New York. I watched in the distance as a tsunami wave headed towards the city. I was soon immersed in water, knocked off the building and drowned as I fell.

Interestingly, I then "woke up" in the dream to find myself on an alien planet, being watched by a group of my fellow aliens. They had the usual big heads and slender limbs, and waited for me while my memory of them returned. Apparently my whole time on Earth was just part of a larger lifecycle! So if you really are worried about dying in one reality - just imagine where you will "wake up" next...

What are false awakenings?

In false awakenings, you believe you have woken up but are in fact still asleep. It's a very vivid dream and to some extent you have control of it. Some people get up, get dressed, have breakfast and even leave the house as part of a false awakening. However, it's more like being on auto-pilot than a genuine conscious experience.

The bizarre thing is, when a false awakening ends, you wake up in bed and realize it was all a dream. So you get up, get dressed, have breakfast and leave the house all over again... then BAM! It was another false awakening.

One person has reported seven false awakenings in one long stream of alternate realities. The outcome can be very confusing, where you end up grasping for some sense of what's real. This phenomenon has inspired many books and movies, the most famous of which is probably Groundhog Day.

False awakenings may be more common when you practice lucid dreaming techniques. Trust me - that is a good thing! They are perfect opportunities to initiate lucid dreams. Simply make it a habit to perform reality checks every morning when you wake up. Try pushing your hand through the wall, or floating above your bed. Hey presto - instant lucid dreams!

What are reality checks?

Reality checks are a great way to start lucid dreaming. They involve testing your reality throughout the waking day. When the cue naturally arises in a dream, you have the perfect opportunity to realize you are dreaming and become lucid. Read more about reality checks.

What is Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)?

Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) is one of the more popular lucid dreaming techniques developed by Stephen LaBerge. It involves reality checks and setting the intention to have lucid dreams. Learn how to perform MILD.

What are Wake Initiated Lucid Dreams (WILDs)?

Wake Initiated Lucid Dreams (WILDs) are based on a different lucid dreaming technique. You learn to fall asleep consciously, through the hypnagogic state, straight into a lucid dream. Learn how to have WILDs.

Do lucid dream machines work?

Yes. They provide lucidity triggers like flashing lights which are often incorporated into your dream. It is up to you to recognise the cue and in doing so, realize that you are dreaming.

Lucid dream machines also play sounds and phrases such as "this is a dream" to help you become conscious. The drawback is that they may be uncomfortable to wear all night, and the lights or sounds may wake you up altogether. Learn more about lucid dream machines.

What is the lucid dreaming pill?

A lucid dreaming pill was launched by Brilliant Dreams in 2005. The pill is supposed to improve your dream recall, make your dreams more vivid, and ultimately encourage lucid dreaming.

The lucid dreaming pill is based on an FDA-approved herbal supplement, known for improving your memory by promoting REM sleep. I haven't tried it but if you have, contact me and I will publish your comments here.

What is mutual dreaming?

Mutual dreaming occurs when two or more people share the same dream. They often begin as lucid dreams, because there is an organized intention to meet up in the dreamworld. This is the basis of the 1984 movie, Dreamscape, starring Dennis Quaid, as well as Dreamside, a novel by Graham Joyce. Science experiments to prove mutual dreaming are ongoing.

What are precognitive dreams?

Precognitive dreams appear to predict the future. Most people are likely to report at least one precognitive dream in their lives. Learn more about precognitive dreams including an experiment you can try for yourself.

Can lucid dreams be used to induce out of body experiences?

Yes. If you are learning how to have out of body experiences in real life, you can use your dreams as training sessions. (Of course, this applies with anything you are learning, including musical instruments, martial arts, or even learning how to fly a plane). Just set the mood and work through your OBE induction technique as you would in real life. Your attempt WILL be successful because you control the outcome.

By the way, if you're wondering whether lucid dreaming and out of body experiences (astral projection) are the same thing - take a look at the paranormal activity page. I have listed the differences which make these phenomena so distinct.

What are the best lucid dreaming books, movies, articles, websites and experiments?

I'm glad you asked! Being a fan of lucid dreaming and altered states, I come across a lot of content that may also interest you. All of this can be found in the lucid dreaming resources which I try to update as often as possible.

Lucid Dreaming FAQ

Home