Benefits and concerns of seeking and experiencing lucid dreams: benefits are tied to successful induction and dream control.
Sleep advances : a journal of the Sleep Research Society January 1, 2022 Remington Mallett, Laura Sowin, Rachel Raider et al. 22 citations
Lucid dreams can end nightmares and prevent their recurrence, but they can also induce harrowing dysphoric dreams. The realization of dreaming (lucidity) and dreams with high control were both associated with positive experiences. Negative outcomes primarily result from failed induction attempts or lucid dreams with low dream control; successfully inducing high-control lucid dreams poses low risk for negative outcomes. A process model describes the progression from lucid dream induction to waking benefit, identifying potential areas of concern. The findings provide new insights into possible negative repercussions and how to avoid them in future applications.