Since prominent figures from ancient to modern times have been fascinated by the excitement that comes with defining lucid dreams and the psychological meaning of lucid dreams, being the seventh on the list of the different types of dreams the human community is aware of. Thus, most of them 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. Further developments in psychological research have pointed to ways in which this form of dreaming may be utilized as a form of sleep therapy.
A lucid dream 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; however, this is not actually necessary for a dream to be described as lucid.
Defining Lucid Dreams and the Psychological Meaning
The attempt here is to help you understand the meaning of lucid dreams at least in comparison with other types of dreams available. So, defining lucid dreams and the psychological meaning of it in this analysis is the focus of this write-up. Let us look at the various definitions and of course the features or definable qualities of lucid dreams.
Definition
Although lucid dreaming is not a state of sleep, but of brief wakefulness, or “micro-awakening”, it can be explained to mean the:
- 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)
Distinguishing Traits of Lucid Dreams
Here are the four distinguishing features of lucid dreams. These at least will give you hints about recognizing the differences that obtain in the discussion of other categories of dreams:
- The dreamer is aware that they are dreaming
- They are aware actions will not carry over after waking
- Physical laws need not apply in the dream
- The dreamer has a clear memory of the waking world
How Do Lucid Dreams Get Started?
Scientists are baffled as to how and why lucid dreams occur. However, several studies have provided insight into how these dreams unfold. Researchers believe that lucid dreams occur many hours into sleep, during the “deep” rapid eye movement (REM) period.
The prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain, is often larger in lucid dreamers. In the prefrontal cortex, high-level functions, such as decision-making and memory recall, take place.
Several studies have identified certain techniques to increase the odds of experiencing a lucid dream. However, additional study is needed to discover conclusive techniques for lucid dreaming.
- Wake Up Back to Bed: Set an alarm for five to six hours after you go to sleep. You must remain awake for a short period before falling asleep.
- Mnemonic Induction: Once awake, you must rehearse and visualize the dream. Remind yourself that the next time you dream, you will remember it.
- Dream Journals: Document notes of your dreams in a diary to study them.
- Meditate: Studies have shown that people who meditate can have a grip on their lucid dreams.
- Reality Checks: Perform multiple reality checks every day; here is one example. Examine one of your hands and attempt inserting a finger from the other hand through your palm. If you are awake, your finger will touch your palm. Otherwise, it will pass through your palm. Repeating this technique several times a day can train your dreaming mind and allow you to dream more clearly. When you go to bed, aim to have lucid dreams in mind. Before going to bed, turn off all screens.
