Based on a comprehensive report compiled from various scientific research studies on lucid dreaming over the past fifty years (1966/2016):
More than 55% of people have experienced lucid dreaming at least once in their lifetime.
Approximately 23% of people experience lucid dreaming at least once a month.
This report provides compelling evidence that the modern human in the twenty-first century is engaged in conscious dreaming, and today, more than ever, we need publications about lucid dreaming that are free from bias, prejudice, superstitions, and hasty judgments.
Conscious dreaming, or lucid dreaming, and the phenomena arising from it, such as out-of-body experiences, are described as states where the individual is not fully awake but is not asleep either. In other words, the body is asleep, but the mind is alert. These states, which occur in the initial stages of the sleep cycle, are vastly different from the routine day and night fantasies or physical transitions between sleep and wakefulness. They open a new chapter in the life of someone experiencing them for the first time: a chapter full of adventure, excitement, wonder, and amazement, accompanied by numerous scientific, philosophical, and religious questions. What we experience in lucid dreaming is so vivid, dynamic, and captivating that it surpasses the enticing vistas of imaginative films. Dreamers in this magnificent experience travel to worlds that violate all classical laws of physics and step into realms that are boundless.
This phenomenon can influence an individual's worldview, alter their behavior (not necessarily making them a better person), create a sense of balance or imbalance, and even impact their motor and athletic activities.
In a study conducted in 2015 by Daniel Erlacher at the University of Bern, it was found that lucid dreaming can have an effect on daily life, especially in enhancing the ability to learn motor skills. In this research, participants were divided into four groups. Those who practiced a specific movement in their dreams performed as well as those who practiced the same movement while awake, and they performed significantly better than those who did not practice at all or only practiced mentally. This suggests that the acquisition of skills is positively influenced by lucid dreaming.
Scientific studies on this phenomenon are still in their early stages and progressing slowly. Finding individuals willing to subject themselves to experimentation is not easy, and even professional lucid dreamers face limited possibilities for falling asleep and becoming aware in a laboratory setting, with numerous cables and devices connected to their bodies. However, the results of these studies are robust and undeniable: with a little effort, anyone can become aware in their dreams. Awareness in dreams quickly transforms the dream scene into a vivid, lively, and realistic experience, confronting dreamers with their inner world.
Some individuals who become lucid in their dreams can exert influence over their dreams: they can alter them according to their preferences, change the dream scene if it becomes distressing, or even enhance their self-awareness and consciousness in their lucid dreams as they desire.
In another study conducted by Daniel Erlacher in 2017 with the participation of 528 lucid dreamers, it was revealed that many lucid dreamers, despite their ability to become aware in their dreams, do not necessarily have the capability to change the dream scene or influence the dream. Erlacher attributes this (correctly) to two factors: first, the more skillful a lucid dreamer is in perceiving lucid dreams, the greater the likelihood they can influence and change their dreams. Second, the more consciously and mindfully a lucid dreamer is throughout the day, the better they can control their experiences in lucid dreams according to their wishes. This aspect has been considered for years on the Lucid Dreaming website and in the teachings of the twelve-week Lucid Dreaming course, offering various methods and approaches to momentary awareness, daily mindfulness, or self-awareness for enthusiasts.
Sources:
Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50 years of research - ScienceDirect
Add comment
Comments