Experts Speak: Here Is All You Need To Know About Lucid Dreaming
Can you control your dreams? This might sound like a weird experience but in the world of dreams, lucid dreaming is truly fascinating. But what is it in reality?
According to Dr Pankaj B Borade, psychiatrist at Ruby Hall Clinic: “It feels a lot like real life, making you feel excited and in charge of your dream adventures.”
Lucid dreams are known to be relatively common. Although a staggering number of people experience them naturally, you can also possibly induce lucid dreaming with practice.
You Are In A Dream And Can, In A Way, Steer It
Some people describe it as feeling like being in a video game, while others compare it to a hyper-realistic version of reality, where everything is more intense and vivid.
Essentially, lucid dreaming is when you realise you are in a dream and can, in a way, steer it. Although they can be difficult to maintain, why induce them in the first place?
According to Dr Borade, you can be super creative, overcome your fears and challenges, or just have awesome dream adventures.
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Why Induce Lucid Dreaming In The First Place?
According to Dr Parth Nagda, psychiatry consultant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, lucid dreaming is known to help those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
He added the experience can enhance one’s self-awareness and personal growth, learning and memory, and increase problem-solving skills.
There are some side effects, however, such as disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty distinguishing between reality and dreams, sleep paralysis, and nightmares or disturbing dreams.
Expert Shares Steps To Induce Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming takes time and practice to develop. Dr Nagda has shared some steps to get started. He recommends recording your dreams in detail as it helps improve dream recall.
Next, before sleeping, he advises repeating a mantra like, “I will have a lucid dream tonight,” to enhance chances of the same.
Further, lucid dreams often occur during the Rapid Eye Movement stage of sleep. Dr Nagda recommends setting an alarm to wake you up during the middle of the REM cycle.
