lucid dreaming: being awake in your dreams

manuelhooks (69)memberin Steem4Nigeria • 8 months ago (edited)

lucid dreaming

Being self aware while dreaming is relatively rare. It's so rare that only about 20% of the human population can identify with this phenomenon. The phenomenon i will be describing in this post is called lucid dreaming or hybrid sleepwake cycle, a scientifically recognized phenomenon which has been a subject of extensive research. It has nothing to do with the metaphysical or the supernatural. it's simply the ability to remain conscious, self-aware and in control while dreaming.

When a lucid dream is in progress, the dreamer knows that he is currently dreaming. And yet he is truly asleep but unlike the normal sleep, a good number of his waking mental faculties are still awake such that the lucid dreamer can partially or totally control the narrative and progress of the dream. It often takes place during Rapid Eye Movement period of sleep.

Lucid Dreaming, it's pros and cons

Some lucid dreamers make positive use of their ability to control the events in their dreams. Some loose track and mixup their dream with reality. This may result in an awkward attempt to continue a conversation they think they had with someone.
Some may enjoy the endless possibilities in the Dreamworld that they tend to prefer it there as they are only limited by the power of their imagination.
Without a proper understanding of sleep lucidity, some may struggle with sleep paralysis or get worked out and stressed out in their sleep.
Some people use the opportunity to explore, to meditate or to reflect on a problem or situation.

How to induce a hybrid sleepwake cycle

In most cases, something in the dream alerts the dreamer that this is not reality but they still allow the dream to play out but takes control of the dream, switching from a normal dream to a lucid dream. This is called a Dream Induced Lucid Dream (DILD)

is it a good practice?

Studies are not conclusive About the benefits and possible side effects of lucid dreaming. Though it can have real effects on our mental health, sleep quality and performance.

I will love to call on @udyliciouz @bela90 @jozzie90 and @gwillchrist to have a say on this topic.

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