Lucid Dreaming
I have been interested in Out of Body Experiences and Lucid Dreaming for most of my life. That fascination led me to attend a program and course of studies at the Monroe Institute in Faber, Virginia — founded by Robert Monroe, whose books I had read with great interest, including Journeys Out of the Body (1971) and Far Journeys (1985). I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Monroe personally during my time there, an experience that deepened my curiosity about the nature of consciousness and dreaming.
More recently I have researched the use of over-the-counter supplements that may help induce lucid dreaming — and have had some genuinely remarkable results, including vivid flying dreams and experiences that closely simulate an OBE state while asleep. I wanted to share what I've learned with others who may have a similar interest.
The article below discusses the supplements and techniques I have experimented with. I have also included links at the bottom to additional research and information you may find interesting and helpful.
- Lucid dreaming is the awareness that you're dreaming — and the ability to control what happens within that dream.
- Studies show the areas of the brain associated with self-awareness are activated in lucid dreamers while they're asleep.
- There are certain supplements — like Galantamine and Huperzine-A — that may make it easier to lucid dream.
- Other techniques include waking yourself up five hours after falling asleep, or keeping a dream journal.
For most people, dreaming is like watching a movie. You can see what's going on, but you have no control over what's actually happening. You don't actively participate in the creation of your dream (otherwise, who would choose to suffer through the dream where you end up on stage in your underwear?).
But not all dreams are created equal. There's a state of consciousness that gives you control over the direction of your dreams. It's called lucid dreaming, and not only is it fun, it can lower anxiety and teach you to be more present.
What is Lucid Dreaming?
Lucid dreaming is exactly what it sounds like — it's a dream experience where you're completely lucid and aware that you're dreaming.
"One of the elements of a lucid dream is for you to be aware that you are dreaming," says clinical psychologist Dr. Lori Whatley. Then, once you're aware you're in a dream, you can take control of what happens — and consciously direct the details of your dream.
Lucid dreaming occurs during the deep REM stage of sleep. A 2012 study connected self-reported lucid dreamers to fMRI machines to monitor their brain activity. Researchers found that lucid dreamers showed brain activity in regions responsible for self-awareness — regions typically deactivated during normal REM sleep.
Why Consider Lucid Dreaming?
According to Dr. Whatley, there are real psychological benefits to the lucid dreaming experience, including reduced anxiety and becoming more present.
"Lucid dreaming has benefits such as becoming aware of your own limitations and those of the world around you," says Whatley. "It can help you become aware of your surroundings and help you be more present, which lowers anxiety."
Author Milana Perepyolkina, a frequent lucid dreamer, puts it simply: "Lucid dreaming is better than reality. I can talk to any person I wish. I can visit any place I wish. I can experience any activity I wish. I can walk through walls and I can fly. I can make things appear and disappear. I can speed up the healing of the physical body while it sleeps."
3 Ways to Take Control of Your Dreams
According to Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley, only about 20 to 30 percent of the population are natural lucid dreamers. So how can the rest of us take control?
Take the Right Supplements
There are supplements you can add to your regimen that may help boost your ability to lucid dream. Some of the most popular in the lucid dreaming community include:
Galantamine
An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in sleep and memory. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study confirmed that pre-sleep treatment with galantamine significantly stimulates lucid dreaming. Note: can have side effects including skin reactions, stomach issues, and slowed heart rate.
Huperzine-A
A potent extract from the Chinese club moss plant that, similar to galantamine, blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine. Typically used for memory and cognitive functioning, it produces similar effects to galantamine without the negative side effects.
Vitamin B6
Part of being able to lucid dream is the ability to vividly recall your dreams — and Vitamin B6 has been shown to significantly improve dream recall and vividness.
Melatonin
One of the most commonly used sleep supplements in the world, melatonin can also enhance REM sleep and, as a result, increase your chances of lucid dreaming.
Try the MILD Technique
The MILD Technique (Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams) involves setting an alarm for five hours after you fall asleep. Once awake, set the intention to remember you're in a dream — then immediately go back to sleep. A recent study from the University of Adelaide found the MILD technique increased the likelihood of lucid dreaming by almost 50 percent.
Start a Dream Journal
The more aware you become of your dreams while you're awake, the more easily you'll be able to bring that consciousness to your dreams while you're asleep.
"Journaling helps you become accustomed to remembering dreams — which is necessary for lucid dreaming," says Dr. Whatley. Keep a notebook by your bed and record your dreams as soon as you wake up. Record any feelings, patterns, themes, and images — anything you can remember.
With the right combination of practice, supplements, and a little bit of luck, you may find yourself in the driver's seat next time you go to sleep. Sweet dreams! 🌙