The true meaning of having lucid dreams is established in the fact that the dream itself is a type of dream in which the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming while dreaming. During a lucid dream, the dreamer may gain some amount of control over the dream characters, narrative, or environment.
Lucid dreams are when you know that you’re dreaming while you’re asleep. You’re aware that the events flashing through your brain aren’t really happening. But the dream feels vivid and real. You may even be able to control how the action unfolds, as if you’re directing a movie in your sleep.
Many used lucid dreams as a form of therapy back then.
Lucid dreaming has been studied and reported for many years. Prominent figures from ancient to modern times have been fascinated by lucid dreams and have sought ways to better understand their causes and purpose.
Many different theories have emerged as a result of scientific research on the subject and have even been shown in pop culture. Below are the characteristics of identifying lucid dreams:
- Awareness of the dream state (orientation)
- Awareness of the capacity to make decisions
- Awareness of memory functions
- Awareness of self
- Awareness of the dream environment
- Awareness of the meaning of the dream
- Awareness of concentration and focus (the subjective clarity of that state)
It’s possible to interpret a lucid dream, just like you would with a normal dream. Dream interpretation can help you understand the relevance of your dreams. In fact, people say dream interpretation is easier during a lucid dream. Your awareness increases your ability to observe the dream as it happens.
Lucid dreams are also more vivid, which helps you remember the events and details. To interpret your lucid dreams, keep a dream journal. Writing down your dreams will help you discover significant themes. It’s also recommended to keep a regular journal. By recording your dreams and daily life, you’ll be more likely to find connections.
Lucid Dreams Interpretations
Looking deep into what the true meaning of having lucid dreams could be can be sometimes stressing. However, you need to be informed and so it is our duty to enlighten you on the significance of those likely dreams you might have been having before now. Check out below and find answers to your silent questions:
Decrease Nightmares
While occasional nightmares are normal, recurring nightmares can be taxing. They can interfere with consistent quality sleep. Frequent nightmares usually affect people with:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- sleep deprivation
- sleep disorders, like narcolepsy
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- medication
- substance abuse
Lucid dreaming could provide relief by reducing recurring nightmares. During a lucid dream, you’re able to realize that the nightmare isn’t real. It also lets you control the dream, which allows you to turn a nightmare into a more neutral or pleasant scenario.
Read Also: Defining Lucid Dreams and Psychological Meanings
Increase Motor Skills
Visualizing physical movements can increase the actual ability to do them. This may be done during a lucid dream, where the dreamer can mentally practice motor skills. When you perform motor skills while dreaming, your brain’s sensorimotor cortex activates. This is the part of the brain that controls movement.
In this regard, lucid dreaming could help physical rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities. It may also benefit people without physical disabilities by improving sports performance and other motor skills.
Relieve Anxiety
By decreasing nightmares, lucid dreaming may ease nightmare-related anxiety. It’s also used to relieve anxiety due to PTSD. There’s also anecdotal evidence of lucid dreaming helping general anxiety, but more scientific research is needed. Some people say it allows them to overcome the source of their anxiety.
Enhance Creativity
Lucid dreaming could potentially boost your creativity. Typically, people who are more creative are more likely to lucid dream. This might be due to their heightened ability to recall dreams and visualize events.
But according to anecdotal reports, it also works the other way around. People claim lucid dreaming increases their creativity and imagination. While this hasn’t been proven by science, many individuals use lucid dreaming to sharpen their creativity.
