Lucid dreaming on the brain

When the evening pulls the sun down and night falls, being whisked away into the dreamland often brings respite to a long day. Having vivid dreams about the day or predictions of future events play through one’s mind. However, having control of those dreams is a seldom luxury individuals encounter.

Dreams are a phenomenon that people everywhere experience and are described as a state of consciousness characterized by cognitive, sensory, and emotional circumstances during sleep. But only a few individuals have control over this. The ability to control one’s dream is called lucid dreaming. The dreamer knows that whatever events unfold are nonexistent, even though the dream seems vivid and realistic.

In the wake of this awareness, the dreamer could perform any action the individual sees fit. Studies show that experiencing this is rare and does not happen quite often. Though a few experiments tested

the theory of why, scientists cannot pinpoint the exact cause of lucid dreaming. Nonetheless, the tests lead to some answers.

Research supports the idea that there are physical differences in the brain that can distinguish whether a person can lucidly dream. The front part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, is associated with making decisions and recalling memories. People with a larger prefrontal cortex have a higher chance of dreaming lucidly. This also includes individuals who tend to be self-reflective and over-think.

Lucid dreaming is not a phenomenon that correlates with just sleep. There are benefits an individual can receive through waking life. For example, one who usually has lucid dreams may feel less anxious, experience improved problem-solving, have better motor skills, and have more creativity. However, lucid dreaming also has negatives.

Such realistic dreams can cause a lack of sleep to be quite common. Being too invested and controlling can make it hard to rest or even might wake the holder up. Anyone with a pre-existing mental health condition might want to avoid lucid dreaming. It may cause confusion, delirium, and hallucinations, making it difficult for some to decipher reality and fiction.

“I have a very active brain while I sleep, I remember my dreams every day and I can pretty much control my lucid dreaming. But I’ve had this awareness for as long as I can remember, and it doesn’t really freak me out anymore. I can see why it would make people lose sleep but I’m so familiar with it that it doesn’t bother the quality of my sleep at all,” said Deerfield Beach High School junior Julianah Pit.

Though it is rare for individuals to experience this form of metacognition, there are small things that can increase the chances of achieving it. For instance, keeping a dream diary, reality testing, and waking back-to-back will help an individual reach that state. Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD) is also another effective way. In this case, the person wakes up after five hours of sleep and says several times that the individual will remember it is just a dream.

While lucid dreaming is a fun experience, it is always best to weigh the pros and cons of carrying out the goal. It is crucial to ensure it is safe to perform or practice the steps to dreaming lucidly. Nonetheless, with the proper precautions in mind, taking control of the dreamscape can be an endless world of fascination.

Written by Margeyah Dominique | Graphic Designed by Margeyah Dominique

Published December 4, 2023 | ePathfinder | Feature