Lucid dreaming increased during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey.
PloS one January 1, 2022 P Kelly, T Macêdo, T Felipe et al. 3 citations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most people (64.78%) maintained their usual frequency of lucid dreams—dreams in which the dreamer is aware they are dreaming. However, a substantial minority (22.62%) reported more frequent lucid dreams, while 12.60% reported fewer. The proportion of people experiencing lucid dreams at least once per week also rose. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant pandemic-related increase in lucid dream recall. This increase was linked to higher recall of dreams and nightmares, poorer sleep quality, and symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder. The findings suggest that pandemic-related stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and longer sleep—which increase awakenings from REM sleep—may contribute to more lucid dreams, dreams, and nightmares.