Findings From the International Lucid Dream Induction Study.
Frontiers in Psychology 2020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01746 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 355 |
| Population | Participants with an interest in lucid dreaming |
| Interventions | Reality testing Wake Back to Bed Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams Senses Initiated Lucid Dream |
| Duration | 1 week baseline, 1 week intervention |
| Topics | Dreaming Lucid dreaming |
| Keywords | Reality test Sleep quality |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key findings | MILD and SSILD techniques were similarly effective for inducing lucid dreams, with no added benefit from a hybrid technique. |
Abstract
The International Lucid Dream Induction Study (ILDIS) investigated and compared the effectiveness of five different combinations of lucid dream induction techniques including reality testing (RT), Wake Back to Bed (WBTB), the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) technique, the Senses Initiated Lucid Dream (SSILD) technique, and a hybrid technique combining elements of both MILD and SSILD. Participants with an interest in lucid dreaming (N = 355) completed a pre-test questionnaire and then a baseline sleep and dream recall logbook for 1 week before practicing the lucid dream induction techniques for another week. Results indicated that the MILD technique and the SSILD technique were similarly effective for inducing lucid dreams. The hybrid technique showed no advantage over MILD or SSILD. Predictors of successful lucid dream induction included superior general dream recall and the ability to fall asleep within 10 min of completing the lucid dream induction techniques. Successful lucid dream induction had no adverse effect on sleep quality. Findings indicated that the techniques were effective regardless of baseline lucid dreaming frequency or prior experience with lucid dreaming techniques. Recommendations for further research on lucid dream induction techniques are provided.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on lucid dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid Dreaming Treatment for Nightmares: A Pilot Study Chronic nightmare sufferers | 2006 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 23 |
| Testing the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in lucid dreaming: A tDCS study Participants spending three consecutive nights in a sleep laboratory | 2013 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 19 |
| Effectiveness of motor practice in lucid dreams: a comparison with physical and mental practice Adults who completed an online experiment | 2015 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 68 |
| Pre-sleep treatment with galantamine stimulates lucid dreaming: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study Adults with high dream recall and an interest in lucid dreaming | 2018 | Randomized crossover trial | n = 121 |
| Studies with lucid dreaming as add-on therapy to Gestalt therapy Adults with nightmares (ICD-10: F51.5) at least twice a week | 2015 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 32 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- A systematic review of new empirical data on lucid dream induction techniques. Journal of Sleep Research June 1, 2023
- Nothingness Is All There Is: An Exploration of Objectless Awareness During Sleep Frontiers in Psychology June 10, 2022
- Predictive coding, multisensory integration, and attentional control: A multicomponent framework for lucid dreaming. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 1, 2022
- Spontaneous and induced out-of-body experiences during sleep paralysis: Emotions, "AURA" recognition, and clinical implications. Journal of Sleep Research February 1, 2023
- Conscious entry into sleep: Yoga Nidra and accessing subtler states of consciousness. Progress in Brain Research 2023
and 8 more in the library
Cites 32
- The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews March 14, 2019
- Lucid Dreaming Treatment for Nightmares: A Pilot Study Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 2006
- Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50 years of research Consciousness and Cognition June 20, 2016
- Testing the involvement of the prefrontal cortex in lucid dreaming: A tDCS study Consciousness and Cognition September 8, 2013
- Varieties of Lucid Dreaming Experience Advances in Consciousness Research February 15, 2000
and 27 more in the library