Lucid dreaming

A lucid dream is a dream in which you know you are dreaming. Sometimes you can even steer it — fly, change the scene or calmly study the details.

How common it is

Studies suggest that about half of people have had at least one lucid dream, and a noticeable share have them regularly. Most often lucidity comes spontaneously — for example, when something clearly impossible happens in the dream.

How to learn

• Reality checks: several times a day ask yourself 'am I dreaming?' and test it — look at a clock twice or re-read some text. In dreams numbers and letters usually change. The habit carries over into sleep.
• A dream journal: the better you remember dreams, the easier it is to notice their oddities.
• Intention: as you fall asleep, repeat 'next time I dream, I will realise I am dreaming' and picture it happening.
• Wake back to bed: wake with an alarm after 5–6 hours of sleep, stay awake for 20–30 minutes thinking about lucidity, then go back to sleep. REM sleep is longer towards morning, so the chances are higher.

What you can do in a lucid dream

Many people start with flying — one of the most common plots. To avoid waking from excitement, it helps to rub your hands together in the dream or look at your hands. Some people use lucid dreams to change the ending of a recurring nightmare.

Is it safe?

For most people, yes. Do not sacrifice sleep for practice. Lucid dreams are sometimes accompanied by sleep paralysis — unpleasant, but usually harmless.

Frequently asked questions

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