By Maya Koeppen ’17

Have you ever wanted to catch yourself from falling over the edge? Meet your favorite band member? Visit Candyland? Through a process known as lucid dreaming all of this is possible. Lucid dreaming is a state in which one is aware that he/she is dreaming and has the ability to control the dream.  This state occurs during the rapid eye movement or (REM) sleep stage in which the body remains frozen.

Researchers have yet to conclude exactly what goes on in the mind during lucid dreaming, but it has been proven that even during deep sleep the mind remains very active. Some researchers believe that the lateral prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that deals with logic, may be partially responsible. During this state the lateral prefrontal cortex becomes increasingly inactive while other areas such as those dealing with visuals and emotion start up.

While this process seems cool and unworldly, this state is very difficult to achieve and requires practice.  Methods such as keeping a dream journal, performing reality checks, recognizing dream signs, and falling back asleep following a dream are all suggested in order to partake in lucid dreaming. If successful in the process and practiced frequently, one may reap the varying psychological and behavioral benefits.

According to a study conducted by a psychologist at the University of Lincoln in England, frequent lucid dreamers are better at cogitative tasks that involve insight than those who do not lucid dream. Other researchers have concluded that lucid dreaming can be used to solve problems, generate creativity, overcome nightmares and foster self-discovery. Lucid dreaming has also proven effective through therapeutic aims in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, other mental health problems and even addiction.