Stress and Lucid Dreaming

Quest for Lucidity
1

I read about Lucid Dreaming a few years ago, and a bit of reading and a few weeks of RCs later, I had my first LD. Over the next year or so, my lucid dreams went from seconds to minutes long, I figured out how to fly, and even managed to WILD a few times.

When I decided to get back into lucid dreaming a few months ago, I decided to do it properly. I now have a dream journal, am figuring out my dreamsigns, am part of a forum, (Hi, guys,) and am experimenting with techniques.

Simply put, it’s not working. Having a lucid dream is what got me back into this, but I haven’t had any since, WILD attempts turn painful (the ‘pins and needles’ sensation gets overwhelming and really unpleasant) or into SP nightmares, and even my recall isn’t that good at the moment. I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m stressed out. I’m busier than I was before, I have less free time, more responsibilities, and some stressful situations that aren’t going away anytime soon. I still want to lucid dream, though!

So, basically, any tips for lucid dreaming even when you’re stressed out?

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Well I have a nice reply and a more realistic one.
Choose between red and blue. Yes, it’s a “Matrix” reference.

Nice one:

[spoiler]There are techniques that are less luck based, such as using polyphasic sleep with WILD.

WBTB is also a good option if you have time. This way you can have more chances than just hoping to get an LD from bedtime sleep.

Some people reported success using lucid dream app for mobiles, which relies on the accelerometer to identify when you reach REM phase to play some sound to make you lucid without waking up.

Some people use DEILD-based techniques which rely on waking up (for example, by using an alarm with auto-snooze setting) to wake up, and get back to sleep again without moving.

You could also try taking advantage of your stressful habits to RC more, also, the nightmares can be a good dream sign.

Some people use some medication and/or meditation to sleep better and get calmer (but be careful please, I do not recommend taking substances for dreaming).[/spoiler]

Realistic one:

[spoiler]If you are stressed, you won’t LD well. It’s a fact that is widely accepted as a rule around here.

Even if you succeed to get an LD, you may not like the resulting LD, as it may be a Lucid Nightmare or you may fail to control it.

If you are stressed you should fight back your stress first than trying to LD.
It would be hard to LD in that state and the failures would only make you more disappointed and then more and more stress coming. It would be counterproductive and would make things worse and worse.[/spoiler]

I hope it helps and sorry if my reply looks harsh.

And I really hope you can get rid of stress soon! :happy:

3

I agree with Tggtt but instead of medication, try some “dream teas” or relaxing herbs. I meditate for 15 minutes and it makes a WORLD of difference.
Stress will ruin LDs so don’t stress about it. Nightmares can make you lucid. My first LD was from a nightmare. I even started to watch horror movies before bed so I could trigger a LD :peek: ((this was before I learned about WILD and WBTB))

You get a chance to practice every night :content: so i’m always excited about sleep! :cry: Try WBTB with WILD. This is the method I use. Even if I don’t become lucid ((which is rare because my technique really works for me)) WBTB ALWAYS gives me Great dream recall…which is good for your DJ.
My brother has never had a LD but after I told him about WBTB he has very vivid long dream recall. He doesn’t have any type of technique, he only use WBTB.

Good luck and don’t give up. lucidity is something that takes discipline and practice. Learning YOUR sleep patterns and things like can be fun.

Sweet Dreams