The clinical neuroscience of lucid dreaming.
Sofia Tzioridou, Teresa Campillo-Ferrer, Jorge Cañas-Martín, Linda Schlüter, Susana G. Torres‐platas, Jarrod Gott, Nirit Soffer-Dudek, Tadas Stumbrys, Martin Dresler
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews January 14, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Lucid dreaming Dreaming |
| Keywords | Dream control Self-aware dreaming Dream awareness Controlled dreaming Brain activity Neural signatures Brain research Cognitive neuroscience Neurological phenomena Therapeutic applications Dream therapy Nightmare treatment Mental health benefits Practical benefits Skill practice Psychological therapy Consciousness Self-awareness Mind Mental state Cognitive state |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Lucid dreaming is linked to conditions like nightmare disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and dissociative states, with potential neurobiological bases, and contemplative sleep practices can train lucid states during sleep. |
Abstract
During most dreams, the dreamer does not realize that they are in a dream. In contrast, lucid dreaming allows to become aware of the current state of mind, often accompanied by considerable control over the ongoing dream episode. Lucid dreams can happen spontaneously or be induced through diverse behavioural, cognitive or technological strategies. Such induction techniques have spurred research into the potential therapeutic aspects of lucid dreams. In this review, we gather evidence on the link between lucid dreams and conditions like nightmare disorder, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and dissociative states, and highlight the possible neurobiological basis of these associations. Furthermore, we explore contemplative sleep practices that train lucid states during sleep, such as Dream/Sleep Yoga and Yoga Nidrâ. The potential drawbacks of lucid dreaming interventions are outlined, accompanied by an examination of the impacts of lucid dreams on individuals without clinical conditions. By shedding light on these intricate relationships, the review contributes to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic possibilities and implications of lucid dreaming.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on lucid dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming | 2019 | Review | |
| My Dream, My Rules: Can Lucid Dreaming Treat Nightmares? | 2019 | Review | |
| What about dreams? State of the art and open questions | 2022 | Review | |
| The Dream of God: How Do Religion and Science See Lucid Dreaming and Other Conscious States During Sleep? | 2020 | Review | |
| Insight and Dissociation in Lucid Dreaming and Psychosis | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Advanced meditation, sleep, and consciousness science: An emerging frontier. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 1, 2026
- A narrative review on the neurobiology of lucid dreaming: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Annals of Medicine and Surgery January 21, 2026
- Juggling the Limits of Lucidity: Searching for Cognitive Constraints in Lucid Dream Motor Practice: 4 Case Reports. Brain Sciences August 18, 2025
Cites 132
- Lucid Dreaming: a State of Consciousness with Features of Both Waking and Non-Lucid Dreaming Sleep September 1, 2009
- Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness Frontiers in Psychology September 4, 2018
- Neural Correlates of Dream Lucidity Obtained from Contrasting Lucid versus Non-Lucid REM Sleep: A Combined EEG/fMRI Case Study Sleep June 29, 2012
- Lucid Dreaming Verified by Volitional Communication during Rem Sleep Perceptual and Motor Skills June 1, 1981
- Aetiology and treatment of nightmare disorder: State of the art and future perspectives Journal of Sleep Research January 29, 2019
and 127 more in the library