Updated 07/11/14

Lucid dreaming F.A.Q. & glossary

Frequently asked questions

Do you feel tired after having a lucid dream?
No. Having your conciousness present in your dream does not diminish the quality of your sleep. Toxins are flushed out of your brain in other stages of the sleep cycle, so a good nights sleep is essential.

Could I have a lucid dream and then forget it?
Yes. Lucid dreams can be extraordinary experiences, but they can be forgotten as quickly as any other dream. If you have a lucid dream, try to wake yourself and think about it for a while, or write about it in your dream journal.

Could it be dangerous to stay awake through "sleep paralysis"?
No. There is no reason or evidence to suggest this is dangerous, but be aware the first time you experience it you may be surprised by the sensations. You just need to relax and go with it. Don't panic.

Glossary

You may come across the following terms while researching lucid dreaming.

DEILD
Dream Exit Initiated Lucid Dreams are dreams that are chained together, i.e. you exit one dream and use the technique to drop back in to another.

DILD
A Dream Initiated Lucid Dream is where the dreamer becomes lucid from within a dream. This is the most common way to become lucid and is often the result of the dreamer questioning their reality.

Dream journal
Many lucid dreamers find that recording their dreams helps to improve dream recall and recognise "dream signs".

Dream signs
Dream signs are occurrences in dreams that help you recognise that you are dreaming. For example, you may chat to a deceased relative or find yourself in your childhood home.

False awakening
You may falsely believe that you woke from a dream and continue with your normal routine, unaware of the opportunity to have a lucid dream.

Lucid dream
You're aware that you are having a dream and assert control.

MILD
The Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams is a method of initiating lucid dreams by setting an intention in your mind that you will a) wake after each dream to record it, and b) remember that you're dreaming.

Reality-check
A reality-check determines if you're experiencing real life or a dream.

REM
Rapid Eye Movement is observed in subjects that are dreaming. The brain suppresses most body movement while we sleep, but the eyes are not so restricted.

Sleep paralysis
Our bodies enter a state called "sleep paralysis" every time we sleep. It stops us from physically acting out our dreams.

WILD
A Wake Initiated Lucid Dream is an advanced method of entering a lucid dream. The goal is to remain lucid as your body falls asleep. You should then find yourself in a lucid dream.

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