heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2008
71 citations
Dreamed actions correlate with actual actions in brain activity, autonomic responses, and timing, supporting the theory that covert actions are simulated using the same neural structures as real movements, except for execution. Evidence from REM sleep studies and lucid dreaming research shows that dreamed actions are represented on higher cognitive levels equivalent to actual movements. Findings from motor learning studies further strengthen this link. The paper reviews these studies and suggests future research directions.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2009
Allan Hobson
61 citations
Advances in brain imaging and EEG recording have improved understanding of the neural basis of consciousness, but progress is limited by paradigms that often neglect subjective experience. Lucid dreaming, where dreamers are aware they are dreaming and can sometimes control the dream, offers a promising yet problematic paradigm for studying consciousness. Early results using lucid dreaming are encouraging and complementary, though preliminary. This paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and interprets recent findings.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2010
Valdas Noreika, Jennifer Windt, Bigna Lenggenhager et al.
54 citations
Brain imaging studies of lucid dreaming have revealed correlations with neural activity, but causal methods are needed to understand the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in metacognitive insight during dreams. The authors propose using transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and galvanic vestibular stimulation to directly interfere with neural functioning during sleep. They argue that aspects of dream lucidity can be investigated in ordinary, nonlucid dreams, enabling more comprehensive and efficient experiments. This approach would deepen understanding of self-consciousness in dreams and integrate dream research into broader neurophilosophical theories of consciousness and the self.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2012
53 citations
Lucid dreaming, where the dreamer knows they are dreaming, usually happens during REM sleep, but this sleep laboratory study reports two possible instances of lucidity during NREM sleep. NREM lucid dreaming appears much rarer and harder to achieve, most likely during N1 sleep, less likely during N2 sleep, and not yet observed during N3 sleep. The authors suggest future research on induction methods, neural mechanisms, and perceptual differences between REM and NREM lucid dreams, and call for a consensus definition of lucid dreaming to clarify the psychophysiological states that support self-reflective awareness.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2010
Tadas Stumbrys, Michael Daniels
53 citations
Lucid dreams—where the dreamer knows they are dreaming—may aid creative problem solving more than logical tasks, and dream characters can offer plausible creative advice. In a pilot study, nine lucid dreamers and nine non-lucid dreamers attempted either a logical puzzle or a metaphor creation over ten nights. The results suggest lucid dreams are better suited for creative tasks, and dream characters may serve as a source of creative input. The study also identified methodological issues for future research.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2012
52 citations
Lucid dreamers are aware they are dreaming and can shape the dream. A survey of 301 lucid dreamers found the most common application was having fun (81.4%), followed by turning a bad dream or nightmare into a pleasant one (63.8%), solving problems (29.9%), gaining creative ideas or insights (27.6%), and practicing skills (21.3%). Women used lucid dreaming more often than men for both nightmare work and problem solving. Lucid dreams appear to offer multiple ways to improve life, particularly for nightmare treatment and motor skill practice.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2009
Evelyn Doll, Georg Gittler, Brigitte Holzinger
27 citations
People who frequently experience lucid dreams—dreams in which the dreamer knows they are dreaming while the dream continues—tend to score higher on measures of mental health, freedom from complaints, expansivity, autonomy, and self-esteem compared to rare or non-lucid dreamers. This conclusion comes from a study of 89 subjects, divided into frequent (27), rare (33), and non-lucid (29) dreamers. However, no significant differences were found between the groups in behavioral control, decision behavior, or spatial abilities.
heiDOK (Heidelberg University)
January 1, 2008
20 citations
Among 153 Japanese university students, 47% reported having had at least one lucid dream and 19% were frequent lucid dreamers (once a month or more). Dream recall frequency was significantly linked to lucid dream frequency, but after controlling for that, nightmares were not related. Prevalence rates were lower than in other countries, possibly due to differences in how lucid dreaming was defined or because participants were psychology students. The findings suggest lucid dreaming is a known phenomenon in Japan, and future research might explore groups with strong cultural ties to dreaming, such as monks.