‘Is lucid dreaming good? How does lucid dreaming work exactly? Can you die of lucid dreaming? Will I get addicted to lucid dreaming?’ There are so many lucid dreaming myths floating around out there but how many are actually valid. Honestly, almost none. 

The above queries, worries, and questions have plagued lucid dreaming since the concept was discovered. But, did you know the very practice of lucid dreaming aka the ability of the dreamer to be aware that they are dreaming is ingrained in the most ancient Hindu and Tibetian Buddhist practices of ‘Yoga Nidra’ and ‘Dream Yoga?’ 

History depicts lucid dreaming in a very different light from what we know of today. Various research papers in present times suggest that – ‘ the philosopher Aristotle wrote: ‘’often when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream’’ Meanwhile, the physician Galen of Pergamon used lucid dreams as a form of therapy. In addition, a letter written by Saint Augustine of Hippo in 415 AD tells the story of a dreamer, Doctor Gennadius, and refers to lucid dreaming’ 

The 20th century was witness to the slow and steady rise of lucid dreaming as a wholesome, applicable concept. A Dutch psychiatrist and writer, Frederik Van Eaden coined the term ‘lucid dream’ in a newspaper article titled ‘Study of Dreams’ Since then, many researchers and scientists and dream/sleep analysts have dedicated their lifetimes to let this phenomenon gain momentum in the mainstream medical media. So, what exactly is preventing lucid dreaming from becoming a regular practice like Yoga or Pilates in today’s global scenario? Let’s find out! 

• Lucid Dreaming is the ‘leading cause’ of sleep paralysis

Even today, researchers and analysts are not entirely aware of what causes sleep paralysis. The Sleep Foundation Org. states that ‘sleep disorders and other sleeping problems have shown some of the strongest correlations with isolated sleep paralysis. Higher rates of sleep paralysis — 38% in one study; are reported by people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder of repeated lapses in breathing’ 

• Pills work best to induce lucid dreaming

Popularised by cinema and pop culture altogether, we are used to the habit of ‘popping a pill’ Yes, the internet is full of anecdotal reports of them working, some of the best minds in psychology credit the placebo effect for the effectiveness of the pill taken. Years of practicing, maintaining great sleep hygiene, and dream a journal regularly is some of the proven methods known to induce lucid dreaming. 

• Lucid dreaming disturbs mental health and peace

It is in fact, quite the opposite! If regulated thoroughly, using the right techniques to induce lucid dreaming can help you overcome fears, anxieties. Thus, making a positive impact on your mental AND physical well-being. 

• Lucid Dreaming can be exhausting

Any form of practice/exercise if done in excess has the ability to take a toll on your physical and mental health. Lucid Dream Society suggests and succinctly points out the following fact, ‘natural lucid dreamers, also called “perma lucid dreamers,” sometimes report that since they lucid dream every night, they can’t dream normally. They are not able to simply not remember their dreams, and “turn off” their lucid dreams. That makes them feel overwhelmed and perhaps mentally exhausted. However, if you are not a natural lucid dreamer, you shouldn’t worry about that. While it is possible to feel mentally exhausted by a lucid dream, the chances are meager’

• You can be a part of someone else’s lucid dream and vice versa

With many thanks to the hugely popular movie, Inception this myth has somehow reached far and wide, believed by many. The only way this can be made possible is by inventing a technology that can make this phenomenon possible. But for now, consider this myth busted. (Sorry, conspiracy theory enthusiasts!) 

•  Lucid dreaming can help cure illnesses

Lucid dreaming induced by various proven techniques can prove to be extremely beneficial for overall mental health, thus subsequently a part of physical health connected to mental well being. Chronic illnesses or continued severe physical pain needs immediate medical attention and can no way be expected to get cured by way of lucid dreaming. As put forth by Lucid Dream Society, ‘some people may feel they can heal themselves through with the help of lucid dreaming. However, one can only address his emotional issues in a lucid dream and not fully fix severe diseases’

Lucid dreaming is still an unexplored phenomenon. There are various tips, tricks, techniques, and even devices that can safely induce lucid dreaming, thus making it highly beneficial for your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.