Lucid dreaming treatment for nightmares: A series of cases.

A series of eight participants received a one-hour lucid dreaming treatment session for nightmares, including exercises and discussion of constructive solutions. Two months later, nightmare frequency decreased and sleep quality slightly improved, but there were no changes in state or trait anxiety. The treatment appears effective for reducing nightmare frequency, though the specific mechanism remains unclear.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Goal of this series of cases was to investigate lucid dreaming treatment for nightmares. Hypotheses were that lucid dreaming treatment would decrease nightmare frequency and state/trait anxiety, and improve the quality of sleep. Eight participants received a one-hour individual session, which consisted of lucid dreaming exercises and discussing possible constructive solutions for the nightmare. Nightmare frequency and sleep quality were measured by a sleep questionnaire, anxiety was measured by the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. At the follow-up two months later the nightmare frequency had decreased, while the sleep quality had increased slighty. There were no changes on state and trait anxiety. Lucid dreaming treatment seems to be effective in reducing nightmare frequency, although the effective factor remains unclear.