This chapter provides a detailed explanation for self-knowing (autonoetic) consciousness, based on the Multistate Hierarchical Model of Consciousness. This full statement of the theory makes it possible to explain more fully how autonoetic consciousness differs from dreaming, which is a form of noetic (fact-knowing) consciousness. The relationship between autonoetic consciousness and noetic...
I investigated individual differences in the frequency of lucid dreams experienced by university students and related factors. In Study 1, approximately 700 university students were surveyed regarding lucid dreams, nightmares, the frequency of sensory experiences in dreams, vividness and control of imagery, fantasy proneness, and nightmare distress. Results indicated that the frequency of lucid...
Dreams have been considered clinically significant. Research on dreams can be broadly classified into case and survey studies. This study focuses on survey studies on dreams in clinical psychology in Japan, taking a general view of them. It also focuses on the heterogeneity of images, which is one perspective on perceiving images, and discusses the significance of examining the heterogeneity of...
The focus of this study is to learn how lucid dreaming can be used to change dream content in a way that is beneficial for the participant. The research delves into the benefits of lucid dreaming, as well as common techniques for lucidity. Furthermore, the study analyzes the positive impact of becoming lucid as a way to treat nightmares. Finally, the researcher shows data that was collected...
This study investigates links between synesthesia and lucid dreaming via perceptual presence and counterfactual-richness (abundant possible sensorimotor contingencies). We hypothesized that synesthetes would report more frequent lucid dreams because enhanced counterfactual-richness facilitates dream control and clarity. We surveyed 616 adults using a synesthesia self-report, the Lucidity and...
This article examines the theoretical and practical frameworks surrounding liminal states of consciousness—specifically lucid dreaming and out-of-body experiences (OBEs)—within Indian religious and philosophical traditions. Through a comparative analysis of Vedāntic, Yogic, Buddhist, and Jain systems, the article argues that these states are not merely anomalous psychological events but...
Unusual bodily experiences (UBEs) are illusory bodily perceptions that are not coherent with typical wakeful experiences, including flying or floating sensations, body distortions, and out-of-body experiences. This study examines UBEs in a controlled sleep laboratory using meditation and light stimulation to facilitate their occurrence. A total of N = 35 healthy participants underwent...
Abstract To reduce maladaptive behaviors, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions can be engaged during wakefulness. Such strategies may also be engaged during sleep, providing a unique and powerful pathway to positive behavioral change. Here we describe an initial scientific investigation of Dream Yoga, a type of contemplative practice that includes a set of prescribed tasks...
This article explores the tension between classical psychoanalytic interpretations of dreams and contemporary physiological measurements of sleep. By integrating Freudian theory with data obtained from wearable sleep-tracking technology, the study demonstrates that REM sleep can occur without subjective dream recall. Introducing the concept of the digital unconscious, the article proposes a new...
While most research on sleep mentation focuses on dream reports, sleep experiences can also include reports lacking content, such as white dreaming —the feeling of knowing one dreamt but being unable to recall its contents. I claim that white dreaming is a metacognitive feeling, akin to tip‐of‐the‐tongue and déjà experiences. Conceiving it this way allows for a more nuanced understanding of its...
Background: Lucid dreaming (LD), which involves being aware of and controlling one’s dreams, is of particular interest in the study of consciousness and has potential therapeutic applications. In this narrative review, we highlight the neurobiological aspects of LD, specifically its mechanisms associated with the activation of prefrontal and parietal areas, increased gamma oscillations, and the...
Newcomb's Paradox is a fascinating puzzle that has baffled philosophers and decision theorists for over half a century. It presents a scenario in which logic seems to split into two opposing paths, each with compelling arguments in its favor. This essay will not only explain the problem simply but also reveal an original solution inspired by Eastern philosophy and the experience of lucid...
A cross-sectional survey examining lucid dream induction technique use outside the research setting and its relationship with lucid dreams and sleep paralysis. Reporting will be done in accordance with the following guidelines: CROSS (Sharma et al., 2021), CHERRIES (Eysenbach, 2004), and Q-SSP (Protogerou & Hagger, 2020).
2026Ali Saberi, Paul Zerr, Stefan Zwerver et al.
preprint
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted lucidity reactivation protocol to induce lucid dreaming in a home setting, with a large sample size, and over an extended period, using an automated sleep experiment system and a wearable EEG device.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sensory stimulation during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep has been proposed as a method to induce lucidity, yet most approaches rely on distal sensory modalities such as light and sound. We explored whether bodily stimulation targeting the muscle and vestibular systems differentially influences dream incorporation and lucid awareness during REM sleep. METHODS: 28 participants...
This study explores how lucid dreaming might inform Integrative Counselling Practice (ICP). A thematic analysis of 14 existing studies identified four key themes: Healing Mechanisms of Lucid Dreaming, Therapeutic Applications of Lucid Dreaming, Risks Associated with Lucid Dreaming, and Characteristics of the Lucid Dreaming State and Experience. Findings suggest that the lucid dreaming state...