Using hypnotic enhancement with auditory suggestion for lucid dream induction
Emma Peters, Daniel Erlacher, Friedrich Müller, Michael Schredl
Somnologie: Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin September 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s11818-023-00414-7 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Inexperienced individuals |
| Interventions | acoustic suggestion hypnotic enhancement of auditory suggestion acoustic stimulation without suggestion |
| Duration | A few days |
| Topics | Lucid dreaming |
| Key findings | Acoustic suggestion evokes more lucid dreams than nonsuggestive stimulation but is not further enhanced by hypnosis. |
Abstract
AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using hypnotic enhancement of auditory suggestion to induce lucid dreams in inexperienced individuals. Lucid dreaming, a state in which the dreamer becomes aware of their dream state, provides opportunities for personal exploration, sports, and clinical applications. However, the rarity of lucid dreams poses a challenge to scientific exploration, making reliable induction methods essential. The study tested the efficacy of acoustic suggestion, hypnotic enhancement, and acoustic stimulation without suggestion as a control condition. Based on strict criteria, in which a lucid dream is verified by the dreamer, the external raters, and eye movements, 3%, 6%, and 6% of total dream reports were scored as lucid in the control, acoustic suggestion, and hypnosis conditions, respectively. Of the 10 participants, one reported lucidity in the control condition, whereas two participants reported lucidity in both experimental conditions. The study concludes that acoustic suggestion evokes more lucid dreams than nonsuggestive stimulation but is not further enhanced by hypnosis. Moreover, the induction methods employed in the study enabled inexperienced participants to learn lucid dreaming within a few days.
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
Cites 14
- The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews March 14, 2019
- Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. Current Biology April 12, 2021
- Lucid Dreaming as a Treatment for Recurrent Nightmares Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics February 18, 2010
- Lucid dreaming incidence: A quality effects meta-analysis of 50 years of research Consciousness and Cognition June 20, 2016
- Frequency of Lucid Dreaming in a Representative German Sample Perceptual and Motor Skills February 1, 2011
and 9 more in the library