Magniflex and the Mystery of Lucid Dreams
Surprise – you can learn how to control your dreams! Lucid dreams don’t just happen in “The Matrix”, “Inception” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street”. They are also part of real life (and no, you can’t get stuck in the “reality” of the dream), but few can practice them. Below we will tell you more about lucid dreams and how to achieve them.
What is a lucid dream?
"If you have ever felt like you are in a movie or watching a movie while dreaming, you have probably had a lucid dream."
In simple terms, a lucid dream is one in which the dreamer is (fully) aware that they are dreaming. They can either control what is happening or passively observe the situation, realizing that it is a dream. Both roles allow the dreamer to influence the time spent dreaming, such as consciously interrupting a nightmare or changing the outcome of a given event.
Research shows that roughly 55% at least once experienced lucid dreaming, and for 23% it is a monthly phenomenon.
How does lucid dreaming work?
Although lucid dreams are the subject of a number of studies, we still know too little about them. The general thesis of science is that lucid dreams lead to higher activity in the prefrontal cortex (which regulates thinking, problem-solving, and emotions) and in the parietal cortex (which is responsible for processing sensory information). This activity is close to the levels observed during wakefulness.
Ordinary dreams can occur in any phase of the sleep cycle. However, lucid dreams are solely associated with the REM phase.
The History of Lucid Dreams
The official term "lucid dream" was introduced in 1913 by the Dutch psychiatrist Frederik van Eeden.
In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers from Stanford University proved that lucid dreams occur during REM sleep.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that lucid dreams can be trained through the so-called "dream yoga". This practice involves invoking extraordinary objects in the dream, transforming the dream environment, changing locations, and even turning one object into another that is fundamentally different.
After a lucid dream, dreamers usually experience something called "cognitive flexibility". This means that they realize how easily they can change their thoughts and attitudes, as well as their perceptions of given circumstances. In this way, horizons open up to new opportunities and perspectives.
Are lucid dreams good or bad?
The most common reasons for practicing lucid dreaming are: the desire to experience the phenomenon, overcoming fears, and healing mental states.
There is an endless debate about whether lucid dreams are beneficial or harmful. Some scientists argue that lucid dreams blur the line between reality and imagination, which can have negative consequences on the mental health of the dreamer. On the other hand, lucid dream therapy is a popular way to cope with various issues such as post-traumatic stress, frequent nightmares, etc.
One of the main problems with lucid dreams is that they interrupt the sleep cycle. Due to higher brain activity, the quality of sleep decreases. This can result in poorer emotional processing and difficulties with memory.
Not everything is bad, however. On a personal level, lucid dreams enhance creativity and contribute to people's better well-being, helping them learn new things about themselves that they otherwise would not have reached.
In therapeutic terms, lucid dreams successfully help against insomnia and nightmares. Patients with frequent occurrences of nightmares can learn to practice lucid dreaming and change negative scenarios into positive ones or at least realize that what is happening is not real, but just a dream.
How to dream lucidly?
Disabling lucid dreams can be relatively easy with the right methods. Here are some of them:
- Optimize your bedroom
As you know, sleep hygiene is key to healthy sleep, including getting enough REM sleep (when lucid dreams occur). Make sure the room temperature is appropriate – around 18 degrees. Keep the bedroom dark and quiet. Blackout curtains, sleep masks, earplugs, or white noise machines are just some of the sleep accessories you can use to create the coziest and most suitable environment for you.
- Rely on reality
During the day, when you are awake, practice what is called “reality testing” – check your surroundings and try to be aware of them. During sleep, the environment may seem close to that of the real world, but with some inconsistencies and distortions. By staying connected to reality during waking life, you will be able to much more easily distinguish true reality from that in dreams.
- Keep a dream journal
Every morning, write down everything you can remember from your dreams in a journal. If writing isn't to your liking, you can use voice messages to keep track of your dreams. Detailed descriptions will help you better understand your dreams, which aids in achieving lucid dreams more frequently.
- Convince yourself.
Studies show that self-suggestion and self-persuasion work for some people and help them to "invoke" lucid dreams. Before you fall asleep, repeat to yourself several times (even out loud) that you will experience a lucid dream tonight, and even imagine what exactly you want to dream about for an even stronger effect.
- Wake-Up-Back-To-Bed method
This method suggests interrupting your sleep. The idea is to sleep for 5 hours, then, with the help of an alarm, wake up and stay conscious for about 30 minutes. When the time is up and you prepare to sleep again, immerse yourself in the intention and suggestion that you will have a lucid dream, as well as the specifics you want to experience.
Our advice is to try and find out which method works best for you; it is possible to use a few together.
And so, lucid dreams are a polarizing topic, but we can unanimously agree that the mystique and uncertainties surrounding it evoke an immense amount of interest. We can confidently say that the benefits of lucid dreams outweigh the negatives and you can with a clear conscience try to harness this phenomenon. Now dig out an old notebook and leave it on your nightstand to begin your adventure in the world of lucid dreams.
