Sleep Science


This section on sleep science is dedicated to helping you understand more about the nature of sleep itself. You'll learn about the human body's natural sleep rhythms, our physiological need for sleep, and what happens when we are denied of this essential function.

If you plan to become a dedicated lucid dreamer, an insight into modern sleep science will help you on your way. You can troubleshoot key issues (like identifying the best time of night to attempt a wake induced lucid dream) and understand the causes of sleep disorders that may affect the quality of your slumber.

A History of Sleep and Dreaming A History of Sleep

A brief history of sleep: from the theories of Aristotle to Sigmund Freud. Discover the bizarre effects of sleep deprivation and how lucid dreaming has been documented through the eras.

The Stages of SleepThe Stages of Sleep

A look at the five stages of sleep and how they relate to dreams and lucid dreams. Includes the best time of night to have lucid dreams and how to make your dreams last longer.

Why Do We Sleep?Why Do We Sleep?

A guide to REM sleep cycles, the sleeping human brain, and key theories addressing why we sleep at all.

The Hypnagogic StateThe Hypnagogic State

Find out how you can observe and interact with your hypnagogic imagery on the sleep-wake border. Plus, what to expect from lucid hypnagogia, from sounds to physical sensations.

Can Sleep Deprivation Cause Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?Can Sleep Deprivation Cause Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?

Research has found a correlation between the amyloid plaques found in the brain's of Alzeimer's patients and frequent sleep deprivation or disruption.

Five Sleep Hacks for Deeper Sleep, Better Memory and Vivid DreamsFive Sleep Hacks for Deeper Sleep, Better Memory and Vivid Dreams

Here are five of the most effective sleep hacks which can immediately improve the quality of your sleep, along with actionable steps for each.

What is The Healthiest Sleeping Position?What is The Healthiest Sleeping Position?

Do you sleep on your front? Uh oh. How about the fetal position? Find out why these sleeping positions are considered bad for you.

How To Find The Best MattressHow To Find The Best Mattress

Do you know how to find the best mattress for your budget? The market has become so huge, it's a real challenge to know what to look for. Here are my top tips.

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

Sleep was long considered just a block of time when your brain and body shut down. Thanks to sleep research studies done over the past several decades, we now know much more.

Polyphasic Sleep InfographicPolyphasic 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.