Sleep Research: The Science of Sleep and Dreams


This section on sleep research is dedicated to helping you understand more about the nature of sleep and dreams. You'll learn about the human body's natural sleep rhythms, our physiological need for sleep, and how dream interpretation can shine a light on the mysterious unconscious mind.

If you plan to become a dedicated lucid dreamer, a sound knowledge of sleep and dreams is essential. The information here will fast-track your progress when it comes to troubleshooting key issues (like identifying the best time of night to lucid dream, or using dream symbols to become lucid more often).

 

A History of Sleep and DreamingA History of Sleep and Dreaming

A brief history of sleep and dreaming: from Aristotle to Sigmund Freud. Includes the effects of sleep deprivation and the history of lucid dreaming.

The Stages of SleepThe Stages of Sleep

A look at the five stages of sleep and how they relate to lucid dreaming. Including the best time to lucid dream and how to make your dreams last longer.

A History of Dream ResearchA History of Dream Research

Dream research has long fascinated civilized man - from ancient theories of souls adventuring out of body, to modern day psychoanalysis and fMRI scans.

Why Do We Sleep?Why Do We Sleep?

Why do we sleep? A guide to REM sleep cycles, the human brain, and key theories of sleep - vital background information for lucid dreaming.

Why Do We Dream?Why Do We Dream?

Why do we dream? Learn about Freud's dream analysis with the Id, Ego and Super Ego, plus modern theories of dreaming and dream research.

Dream InterpretationDream Interpretation

Real dream interpretation explores unconscious dream symbols identified by Freud's free association. Start understanding your own dream symbols today.

The Meaning Behind DreamsThe Meaning Behind Dreams

Explore the meaning behind dreams with scientific dream analysis. Improve your dream recall and perform your own dream interpretation by translating the dream meaning.

30 Common Dream Symbols30 Common Dream Symbols and Their Meanings

A fascinating list of 30 common dream symbols and their meanings. Unravel the unconscious symbolism of your dreams and find clarity in waking life.

Pregnancy DreamsPregnancy Dreams

Dreams during pregnancy can be highly emotional and meaningful - from fears about your changing body, to giving birth, to predicting the sex of the baby.

The Hypnagogic StateThe Hypnagogic State

Observe and interact with your hypnagogic imagery and other forms of hypnagogia - from sounds to physical sensations and unconscious insights.

Characteristics of DreamsCharacteristics of Dreams

The five common characteristics of dreams, as defined by dream researcher J Allan Hobson. Plus, Hobson's biological theory of dreams and their real meanings.

Who Really Coined The Term Lucid Dream?Who Really Coined The Term "Lucid Dream"?

Frederik van Eeden is often credited but it was actually Marquis d'Hervey de Saint-Denys who first published the phrase "rêve lucide" some 46 years prior. So why is history skewed?

Do Babies Dream?Do Babies Dream?

If so, what do they dream about? Dr Charles P Pollack of the Sleep Center for Medicine tells us what science knows of newborn baby dreams.

Does Jet Lag Affect Lucid Dreaming?Does Jet Lag Affect Lucid Dreaming?

How jet lag and sleep deprivation may actually improve your ability to have lucid dreams - and how to exploit these principles without actually losing very much sleep.

The Secret To a Good Night's SleepThe Secret To a Good Night's Sleep

How to get a good night's sleep and improve your chances for lucid dreaming. Includes choosing the right mattress and the best sleep posture for lucidity.

What Do Blind People Dream About?What Do Blind People Dream About?

What do blind people dream about? A look at the latest studies into the dreams of blind people, colorblind people, and black-and-white dreamers.

Consciousness and HypnagogiaConsciousness and Hypnagogia

Consciousness and Hypnagogia: a guest article by Sirley Marques Bonham, PhD. Includes parts I, II, III, IV, V, IV.

Polyphasic Sleep Infographic

Did you know there are alternatives to sleeping in a solid 8-hour block at night? Here are 4 fascinating polyphasic sleep schedules found to improve cognition.


About The Author

About The Author

Rebecca Casale is a lucid dreamer and a science writer with a special interest in biology and the brain. She is the founder of World of Lucid Dreaming and Science Me.