Lucid dreaming is a loose term for dreams in which the dreamer knows he or she is dreaming. People with experience in lucid dreaming claim to have the most amazing experiences in their dreams. They can control where they go, who they talk to, and every other variable possible. Perhaps most inticing is the ability to fly at will.
If you do not know much about lucid dreaming and lucid dreams there are a few tips for to help you get started.
Lucid dreaming is a learned skill. Almost anyone can do it and become good at it. However the most important thing one must do before they try to have lucid dreams, is make sure their dream recall is relatively good. If yours is not, I suggest you start a dream journal. After you've made quite a few records, try to find reoccuring themes and patterns in your dreams. Knowing what you dream about most will help you realize you are dreaming in a dream. Some websites suggest that you perform reality tests throughout the day. For instance, let's say you frequently dream about school. Make it a habit to ask yourself if you are dreaming everything something school-related comes up (a school bus, textbook, etc). Of course this is easier if you do not attend school. Furthermore, there are many obvious dream signals that many people have. Examples include not knowing why you are in a certain place, looking at a clock twice to see two different times, or having abilities you don't have in everyday life.
Certain substances, activites, and thoughts can help generate lucid dreams. Melatonin, a natural occuring hormone that induces sleep, combined with vitamin B-6 has been reported as very effective in creating more vivid dreams, and a higher chance of obtaining lucidity. Certain herbs also have similar effects. Sleeping on your back is also a good way to induce lucid dreams. This position, combined with napping is probably the easiest, fastest way to get more lucid dreams.
A procedure that may help maximally induce vivid or lucid dreams is as follows: Take 1 mg (perhaps 2 if you are an insomniac) of melatonin and a vitamin B-6 pill about 1/2 hour to an hour before sleep. Set your alarm clock to wake you after 5-6 hours of sleep. Get up and do something relaxing for an hour to 90 minutes. Then fall asleep again (on your back), and if you are lucky you will be in control of your dreams for the rest of the night!
