Dreaming lucids: control over your dreams - is that really possible?

Flying in your dreams, talking to celebrities, or overcoming fears – all while knowing full well that you're dreaming? This is exactly what lucid dreaming can do. What sounds like science fiction to many is scientifically proven: People can learn to consciously experience their dreams – and even control them. In this article, we'll explore what lucid dreaming is, how it works, what it does to the brain, and how you can experience it for yourself.

Table of contents

1. What is lucid dreaming – and how does it work?
2. What happens in the brain?
3. What are the benefits of lucid dreaming?
4. How can you learn lucid dreaming?
5. Are there any risks or disadvantages?

6. Conclusion

1. What is lucid dreaming – and how does it work?

When you lucid dream, you know during the dreamthat you're dreaming. Some people can even actively influence the plot—like in a video game, only in their own mind.

The term "lucid" means "clear" or "conscious." The state typically occurs during the REM sleep phase – the part of sleep in which we dream most vividly.

Lucid dreamers often experience a Mixture of sleep and wakefulnessThe body is asleep, but parts of the consciousness are active. This allows for reflection and even decision-making in dreams.

2. What happens in the brain?

The condition can now be scientifically proven:

• In the EEG Lucid dreamers show increased activity in the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for consciousness, reflection and self-control.

• Studies with fMRI show that brain activity during lucid dreams differs significantly from “normal” dreams.

• Particularly exciting: In experiments, test subjects consciously communicate with the outside world in a dream – e.g. through agreed eye movements in the sleep laboratory.

3. What are the benefits of lucid dreaming?

Lucid dreaming is not only a fascinating experience – it can also offer practical benefits:

• Mental training, e.g. practicing movement sequences or presentations

• Control and resolution of nightmares

• Promoting creativity, e.g., in art or problem-solving

• Support with emotional processing and self-reflection

• Strengthening self-confidence through intensive self-awareness

4. How can you learn lucid dreaming?

The ability to lucid dream can be learned by many people – with practice and patience.

Effective techniques:

• Keep a dream diary: Write down all dream content immediately after waking up

• Reality checks: Check regularly during the day whether you are dreaming

• MILD technology: When falling asleep, consciously decide to recognize a dream

• WBTB method: Waking up briefly at night and then falling asleep again

• Audios, apps, binaural beats: Support through acoustic stimuli or digital helpers

It is important to stick with it and not give up too soon – access usually develops over time.

5. Are there any risks or disadvantages?

Lucid dreaming is generally safe, but should be practiced carefully:

• Intensive experiments can impair sleep quality

• If you have a history of mental stress, you should be careful

• Excessive escape into dream worlds can disrupt life balance

The key lies in a healthy approach – without pressure and with conscious reflection.

6. Conclusion

• Lucid dreaming is real, scientifically proven and can be experienced consciously.

• It promotes self-reflection, creativity and helps in dealing with stress and nightmares.

• With practice, techniques and patience, almost anyone can learn it.

• Mindful handling is important to maintain a balance between sleep quality and everyday life.