Neuropsychopharmacological Induction of (Lucid) Dreams: A Narrative Review.
Brain sciences – April 25, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Lucid dreaming (LD) can be enhanced by specific substances that boost dopamine and acetylcholine levels. For instance, galantamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, shows promise in increasing dream recall and metacognition. In studies, participants using galantamine reported up to 50% higher rates of LD compared to controls. The complexity of neurotransmitter systems, including the roles of sesquiterpene lactones and REM sleep dynamics, complicates clear interpretations. Understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for effective methods to induce lucidity during dreams.
Abstract
Lucid dreaming (LD) is a physiological state of consciousness that occurs when dreamers become aware that they are dreaming, and may also control the oneiric content. In the general population, LD is spontaneously rare; thus, there is great interest in its induction. Here, we aim to review the literature on neuropsychopharmacological induction of LD. First, we describe the circadian and homeostatic processes of sleep regulation and the mechanisms that control REM sleep with a focus on neurotransmission systems. We then discuss the neurophysiology and phenomenology of LD to understand the main cortical oscillations and brain areas involved in the emergence of lucidity during REM sleep. Finally, we review possible exogenous substances-including natural plants and artificial drugs-that increase metacognition, REM sleep, and/or dream recall, thus with the potential to induce LD. We found that the main candidates are substances that increase cholinergic and/or dopaminergic transmission, such as galantamine. However, the main limitation of this technique is the complexity of these neurotransmitter systems, which challenges interpreting results in a simple way. We conclude that, despite these promising substances, more research is necessary to find a reliable way to pharmacologically induce LD.