Lucid+Dreaming

__** EXPLANATION: **__ Lucid Dreaming is any dream in which one is aware that one is dreaming.

In a lucid dream, the dreamer may be able to exert some degree of control over their participation within the dream or be able to manipulate their imaginary experiences in the dream environment.Typically this happens when the dreamer experiences something strange, and when they stop to question their reality, they realize they are in a dream. Lucid dreams happen naturally on occasion, although some people may have them naturally more often than others.

__** How is it related to the eye? **__
When dreams occur we go through the process called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) .In light of this, it may be possible to heighten awareness or induce lucidity automatically as soon as the eyes begin to move. One could do this by creating an association between eye movement and reality checking or the awareness of ones external environment, or that one is dreaming .When brain activity is high and resembles that of being awake. REM sleep is revealed by continuous movements of the eyes during sleep. At times, dreams may occur during other stages of sleep. However, these dreams tend to be much less vivid or memorable.

When does lucid dreaming happens?
 * Studies strongly suggest that a nap a few hours after waking in the morning is the most common time to have a lucid dream.
 * Lucid dreams are strongly associated with REM sleep. REM sleep is more abundant just before the final awakening. This means they most commonly occur right before waking up . (Sleep-onset REM is a symptom of narcolepsy. If you have lucid dreams right after falling asleep, you may wish to consider seeking medical advice from a sleep medicine specialist. However, there are studies which show people can recall dreams after being awakened during non-REM sleep).
 * Dreams usually run in 60-minute cycles during sleep. If you are working on dream recall, it may be helpful to try waking yourself up during one of these cycles (interrupted dreams are often the ones we remember).

__**HOW DOES IT WORK?**__
There are steps to start lucid dreaming : 1.**Remember your ordinary dreams.** -A lot of people say ‘I don’t dream’, everybody dreams, whilst you may not remember them you still dream. To start remembering your dreams try this simple technique.

2**.Keep a dream journal**

3**.Pick out dream signs**

4**.Notice your waking world** -To be conscious in your dream world means you have to be conscious in your waking world. That might sound crazy, as you are conscious when you are awake. However what I mean is ‘consciously focused’.If you start to consciously focus on the world around you, you will carry this over into the dream world.

5.**Ask yourself; ‘Am I dreaming?’** -This again will carry over into your dreaming world and you will start asking the same questions in your dreams which can turn into a lucid dream.

6.**Your first lucid dream -**Many people have their first lucid dream simply by reading about it. You might find that you become over-excited and lose the lucid dream however, you first lucid dream will be remembered for years to come.

7**. Staying lucid -** The best way to stay on your dream is to stay clam with self talk and dream spinning **.**If you find that you are losing your lucidity you can talk to yourself to calm yourself down and just start noticing the things around you in your dream. Dream spinning is when you feel you are losing control of your dream you mentally spin like a tornado to stay within your dream. This is focusing the mind on staying lucid.

-Kristine :D __**REFERENCES**__ http://www.dreamviews.com/f49/eye-movement-induced-lucid-dream-51380/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucid_dream#Out-of-body_experience http://www.wikihow.com/Lucid-Dream http://www.learnluciddreaming.com/blog/category-2/5-facts-about-lucid-dreaming-you-should-know-about http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/7-steps-to-start-lucid-dreaming.html