Have you ever woken up from a dream and felt like it was so real that it could have actually happened? Or maybe you’ve had a dream where you suddenly become aware that you’re dreaming and can even control the events that are taking place. These are two types of dreams that many of us have experienced – regular dreams and lucid dreams. While regular dreams are common, lucid dreams are a bit more mysterious and intriguing. What exactly are these dreams and what sets them apart? Let’s explore the difference between lucid and regular dreams and discover how you can use lucid dreaming to your advantage.
What are Regular Dreams?
As we close our eyes each night and drift off to sleep, our minds enter a world of wonder and mystery, filled with strange and often unexplainable events. These are the vivid and sometimes perplexing experiences we know as regular dreams. Through the ages, humans have been fascinated by the inner workings of the mind and the strange and often surreal landscapes of our dreams. In this section, we will explore the definition and characteristics of regular dreams, and try to unlock some of the mysteries they hold.
Definition
When it comes to understanding the differences between lucid dreams and regular dreams, it’s important to start with the definitions of each. A regular dream is a typical dream state that most people experience during sleep. In a regular dream, the dreamer is not aware that they are dreaming and has no control over the events or situation in the dream.
On the other hand, a lucid dream is a dream in which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and can often control the events or situation in the dream. This added level of awareness and control distinguishes lucid dreams from regular dreams.
To further understand the differences between these two types of dreams, it’s important to examine the characteristics that define each. The table below outlines the key characteristics that set lucid dreams apart from regular dreams:
| Characteristic | Regular Dreams | Lucid Dreams |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness | Dreamer is not aware they are dreaming | Dreamer is aware they are dreaming |
| Control | Dreamer has no control over events or situation in dream | Dreamer can often control events or situation in dream |
| Recall | May be difficult to remember upon waking | Often remembered in detail upon waking |
As the table shows, a key difference between regular dreams and lucid dreams is the level of control and awareness that the dreamer has in the dream. Additionally, lucid dreams are often more memorable and easier to recall upon waking, which is not always the case with regular dreams. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the characteristics of regular dreams and lucid dreams, and explore the benefits and dangers associated with lucid dreaming.
Characteristics
When it comes to characteristics of regular dreams versus lucid dreams, there are several key differences to note.
| Regular Dreams | Lucid Dreams |
| ————– | ———— |
| Unawareness: In regular dreams, the dreamer is typically unaware that they are dreaming. They accept the reality presented in the dream without question.| Awareness: In lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and may have a sense of control over the dream environment.|
| Less Control: Regular dreams are often unpredictable with little to no control over the dream scenario or surroundings. | More Control: Lucid dreams offer the ability to control or influence the dream, allowing the dreamer to change the dream environment or the actions of dream characters.|
| Memory: Regular dreams can often be forgotten quickly upon waking up. The dreamer may vaguely remember bits and pieces, but the details can be hazy or lost altogether. | Better Memory: Lucid dreams are often easier to remember, as the dreamer is consciously aware of the dream experience. Additionally, lucid dreamers may keep dream journals or practice techniques to help improve dream recall.|
| Involuntary: Regular dreams are typically involuntary and difficult to deliberately induce. They often occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. | Voluntary: Lucid dreams can be deliberately induced by techniques such as reality testing, wake-induced lucid dreaming, or mnemonic induction of lucid dreams. Lucid dreamers have more control over when and how often they experience lucid dreams.|
It’s important to note that the characteristics of both regular dreams and lucid dreams can vary from person to person and may be influenced by various factors such as sleep habits and mental health.
What are Lucid Dreams?
Have you ever experienced a dream where you realized you were dreaming, and suddenly had control over the dream’s events? It may have felt like a magical experience, but it actually has a scientific name: lucid dreaming. Unlike regular dreams, in lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and can manipulate the events of the dream. This concept can be quite perplexing and fascinating to those who have never experienced it, but as we delve deeper, we can uncover the mysteries behind this unique type of dream.
Definition
When we are asleep, our mind becomes active and creates a series of images, sensations, and emotions that we experience as dreams. Lucid dreams and regular dreams are two different types of dreams with unique characteristics that separate them. Understanding the definitions of these two types of dreams is crucial to unlocking the mysteries of dreaming.
| Regular Dreams | Lucid Dreams |
| ————————————| ———————————————————————————-|
| Definition: |Definition: |
| Regular dreams are dreams where the | Lucid dreams are dreams where the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. They |
| dreamer is not aware that they are | have a sense of control over their dream environment and may actively manipulate |
| dreaming. They are involuntary and | the dream scenario. Lucid dreams feel incredibly realistic, just like regular |
| occur during the rapid eye movement | dreams, but the dreamer is aware that they are within a dream. |
| (REM) stage of sleep. | |
Regular dreams and lucid dreams happen in the same stage of sleep, but the distinguishing factor between the two is the dreamer’s awareness. In regular dreams, the dreamer is not aware that they are dreaming and has no control over the dream scenario. In contrast, lucid dreamers are aware that they are dreaming and can even manipulate the dream environment. This awareness and control can lead to various benefits and dangers that we will discuss later in the article.
Characteristics
Regular dreams and lucid dreams have some distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here are the defining characteristics of both types of dreams:
| Regular Dreams | Lucid Dreams |
|---|---|
| Unawareness: In regular dreams, one is not conscious of the fact that they are dreaming. | Awareness: In lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. |
| Lack of Control: Regular dreams are often unpredictable and uncontrollable. | Control: The dreamer has control over their actions and can even change the dream’s storyline or setting, depending on their level of lucidity. |
| Diminished Cognitive Capabilities: In regular dreams, a person’s cognitive abilities, such as decision-making and problem-solving, may be limited, and time might not flow in a logical manner. | Enhanced Cognitive Capabilities: Lucid dreamers have improved cognitive skills in their dreams, with better decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. |
| Forgetfulness: Regular dreams are often forgettable, and the dreamer may have difficulty recalling details even seconds after waking up. | Recall: In lucid dreams, the dreamer may be able to remember their dream in a much more detailed and vivid way than regular dreams. |
| Passive Role: In regular dreams, a dreamer may take a passive role, frequently going along with whatever happens in the dream without trying to control it. | Active Role: A dreamer is an active participant in the dream during a lucid dream, taking an active role in directing the dream’s progress. |
It is intriguing to note the clear disparities between these two types of dreams and how the characteristics of both can be used to differentiate them.
What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between regular dreams and lucid dreams? While both types of dreams occur during the REM stage of sleep, there are stark differences between them. In fact, it may surprise you just how different these two types of dreams can be. Let’s explore the characteristics and distinctions between regular dreams and lucid dreams so that we can unlock the mysteries of our dreaming mind.
Control
When it comes to control, the main difference between regular dreams and lucid dreams lies in the ability to manipulate the dream environment. In regular dreams, the dreamer has little to no control over what happens in the dream. They are passive observers, moving through the dream without any influence over the events that unfold.
On the other hand, in lucid dreams, the dreamer has the ability to actively participate and manipulate the dream environment. They can change the plot, the setting, and even the characters. Lucid dreamers have the power to turn nightmares into pleasant dreams and can even explore their deepest desires.
Lucid dreamers can also experience sensations that are not possible in the waking world. They can fly, breathe underwater, or travel through time, which contributes to a feeling of intense exhilaration that can be difficult to replicate in the real world.
However, it’s important to note that this level of control takes practice and training. In the beginning, even lucid dreamers may struggle to manipulate their dreams with precision or achieve any degree of control. It’s a gradual process that requires persistence and dedication.
Awareness
A key difference between regular dreams and lucid dreams is awareness. In regular dreams, the dreamer is often completely immersed in the dream, unaware that they are dreaming. However, in lucid dreams, the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming and can often exert some control over the dream.
| Characteristic | Regular Dreams | Lucid Dreams |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Awareness | Low | High |
| Ability to Recognize Dream State | No | Yes |
| Clarity of Thought | Low | High |
| Perception of Time | May be distorted or non-existent | May be similar to waking perception |
Lucid dreamers may have a higher level of clarity of thought and be able to think more logically than in regular dreams. Their perception of time may be similar to their perception while awake, which can make the dream seem longer than a regular dream. However, in regular dreams, time may be distorted or non-existent, making the dream seem shorter or longer than it actually is.
Being aware while dreaming can be a thrilling experience, but it can also lead to distorted reality or difficulty distinguishing reality from dreaming. It is important for lucid dreamers to be aware of any potential negative effects and to approach lucid dreaming with caution.
Recall
Recall refers to the ability to remember dreams after they occur. In regular dreams, recall tends to be more difficult and unreliable, with only certain aspects or fragmented pieces of the dream being remembered. This is due to the fact that regular dreams are experienced unconsciously, without active participation, and the brain is not actively focusing on creating long-term memories.
In contrast, lucid dreamers tend to have much better recall abilities. This may be because they are more aware during the dream, actively participating and making conscious decisions. They may also be more motivated to remember the dream, as they know they are experiencing something unique and interesting.
To improve recall of regular dreams, it can be helpful to keep a dream journal. This involves writing down any dream memories as soon as you wake up, before they fade away. Over time, this can help improve the brain’s ability to remember dreams and make it easier to recall them in the future.
For lucid dreaming, keeping a dream journal is also recommended. Some lucid dreamers use techniques such as visualization and mental rehearsal to increase the likelihood of remembering their dreams. By rehearsing the dream scenario in their mind before going to sleep, the brain becomes more primed to remember it upon waking.
While regular dreams may be difficult to remember, lucid dreaming provides an opportunity for improved recall and a more vivid, memorable dream experience.
How to Induce Lucid Dreams
If you’re intrigued by the idea of controlling your dreams and experiencing them with all your senses, inducing lucid dreams may be just what you need to explore the depths of your subconscious mind. However, figuring out how to do so can be tricky, as it involves putting yourself in a state of heightened awareness while you’re asleep. Don’t worry, though – with a bit of practice and experimentation, you can increase your chances of having such dreams. Here are some proven methods that can help you on your journey to unlocking the mysteries of lucid dreaming.
Reality Testing
One of the most popular methods for inducing lucid dreams is reality testing. This technique involves performing frequent checks during the day to determine whether or not you are dreaming. By doing this regularly, you may be more likely to recognize when you are in a dream state, allowing you to take control of the experience.
Here are some examples of reality checks you can perform:
| Reality Check | Description |
| Looking at your hands | In dreams, your hands may look distorted or have an unusual number of fingers. |
| Checking the time | In dreams, the time is often distorted, or the clock may not even have numbers on it. |
| Examining your surroundings | In dreams, your surroundings may appear blurry or change rapidly. |
| Trying to push your fingers through your palm | In dreams, your hands may become transparent or you may be able to push your fingers through solid objects. |
| Jumping and seeing if you can float | In dreams, you may be able to fly or float in the air. |
By performing these checks regularly throughout the day, even when you are certain that you are not dreaming, you may be more likely to remember to do them when you actually are dreaming. If one of your reality checks indicates that you are dreaming, you may become more aware of the fact that you are in a dream and can begin to take control of the experience.
Wake-Induced Lucid Dreams
One method for inducing a wake-induced lucid dream (WILD) involves staying awake for a period of time while remaining in a meditative or relaxed state. This method can be difficult to achieve, as it involves maintaining consciousness while the body falls asleep.
Here are some steps to try to induce a WILD:
- Find a quiet and comfortable place to lie down, preferably in a dark room.
- As you lie down, focus on your breathing and clear your mind of any distracting thoughts.
- Allow your body to relax and let go of any tension.
- Try to keep your mind alert, while allowing your body to fall asleep.
- Visualize yourself in an environment in which you have control, such as flying or swimming.
- As your body falls asleep, continue to focus on this imagined scenario, remaining aware and in control.
- You may experience some physical sensations, such as vibrations or a sinking feeling, as you enter the dream state.
- Once you are fully immersed in the dream, continue to exert control over your environment and actions, enjoying the experience of being in a lucid dream.
While WILDs can be a powerful tool for exploring the possibilities of the dream world, they can also be difficult to achieve and require a high degree of focus and relaxation. It is important to approach this technique with patience and persistence, as it may take time to master the necessary skills to induce a successful WILD.
Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams
One of the most effective techniques for inducing lucid dreams is the mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD). This technique involves setting an intention to become lucid in your dreams through visualization and affirmations. Follow the steps below to try the MILD technique:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Set an alarm for 4-6 hours after you fall asleep. |
| 2. | When the alarm wakes you up, stay awake for 20-30 minutes while focusing on your intention to become lucid in your dreams. |
| 3. | Visualize yourself becoming lucid in a dream. Imagine recognizing that you are dreaming, and think about what you would do once you become lucid. |
| 4. | Repeat a mantra or affirmation to yourself, such as “I will recognize when I am dreaming,” or “I will become lucid in my dreams.” |
| 5. | Go back to sleep while continuing to focus on your intention to become lucid in your dreams. |
The MILD technique takes practice and consistency, but it can be highly effective in inducing lucid dreams. This technique has been shown to increase the frequency of lucid dreams, and can even lead to more vivid and longer-lasting lucid dreams.
Benefits of Lucid Dreams
Exploring the world of dreams can bring many surprising benefits. One particularly fascinating phenomenon is known as lucid dreaming, which occurs when dreamers become aware that they are in a dream and are able to control the content of their dreams. Unlocking the potential of lucid dreams can open up a whole new world of creativity, problem-solving, and self-discovery. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most intriguing benefits of lucid dreaming and how they can be harnessed for personal growth and development.
Increase Creativity
One of the most compelling benefits of lucid dreaming is its ability to increase creativity. While we sleep, our brains are free to make creative connections without the logical constraints of waking life. During lucid dreams, we have the added benefit of being able to manipulate and control the dream environment, allowing us to access our most imaginative states.
Some artists, writers, and musicians have even reported using lucid dreams as a source of inspiration for their work. In fact, Salvador Dali, the famous surrealist painter, used to take “dreaming” naps where he would hold a key in his hand and drift off. As soon as he fell into a deep sleep, he would drop the key, startling himself awake, and then immediately begin painting the vivid images he had just seen in his dreams.
Additionally, lucid dreaming can help us explore new angles or approaches to problems we may be struggling with in our waking lives. By taking our thought processes into the dream world and experimenting with different solutions, we may stumble upon breakthrough ideas that we wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise.
The benefits of lucid dreaming for creativity are clear- it allows us to access the optimal state for coming up with innovative ideas and solutions. By nurturing our dreams and harnessing their power, we can unlock infinite artistic potential and enhance our creative abilities in unimaginable ways.
Reduce Nightmares
It is absolutely possible to use lucid dreaming as a tool to reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares. Nightmares can be a deeply distressing and terrifying experience, causing extreme anxiety and disrupting one’s sleep patterns. However, as studies have shown, people who have experienced lucid dreams report having fewer nightmares than those who do not actively engage in this practice.
One reason lucid dreaming helps reduce nightmares is that it offers the dreamer the opportunity to take control of the dream. By recognizing the dream as a construct of the mind, they can start to manipulate aspects of it, such as the environment or the characters present, to make it less frightening. This could be as simple as imagining a soothing environment or creating a new character to confront the problematic one in the dream.
Another reason lucid dreams are beneficial for those prone to nightmares is that it allows them to confront and process their fears in a safe environment. Instead of being at the mercy of the nightmare, the dreamer can actively engage with the fear or anxiety present, facing it head-on, and working through it without any real-world consequences.
Lucid dreams can also teach the dreamer to relax in the face of a perceived threat. By understanding that they have control in the dream, they can learn to remain calm in the face of anxiety-inducing situations, both in the dream world and in waking life.
Lucid dreaming offers a powerful tool for reducing the frequency and severity of nightmares. By taking control of the dream, confronting fears, and learning to stay calm in challenging situations, the dreamer can gain a better understanding of their fears and ultimately reduce their impact on their waking life.
Overcome Fears and Phobias
Lucid dreaming has been recognized as a tool for people to overcome fears and phobias. It is a safe and natural way to encounter fears and nightmares and deconstruct them, leading to a better state of mind. With control of the dream state, an individual can expose themselves to their fears in a non-threatening way, transforming the fear or phobia into something to learn from rather than something to be afraid of.
One way to use lucid dreaming for fear and phobia treatment is through exposure therapy. This technique involves gradually exposing an individual to their fear in a controlled environment. With lucid dreaming, one can bring themselves into a dream state where they confront their fear or phobia in a safe place. For instance, if someone has a fear of heights, they can enter a dream state and simulate being at a high place, then confront and tackle their fear gradually.
Another way of overcoming fears and phobias is through social redemption theory. This theory proposes that people can use lucid dreaming to confront their fears in a social context, imagining themselves overcoming the fear in front of a supportive audience. By doing so, they gain confidence and find it easier to face and overcome the fear in real life.
Finally, lucid dreaming can help with nightmares, which can be a symptom of anxiety or trauma. By practicing lucid dreaming, individuals gain control over their dreams and can turn what would usually be a nightmare into a positive and empowering experience. The ability to confront their fears in a controlled environment leads to a more positive and confident state of mind overall.
Dangers of Lucid Dreams
While lucid dreaming can be an exciting and intriguing experience, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that come with it. Many individuals have reported encountering frightening occurrences during their lucid dreams, such as sleep paralysis, false awakenings, and distorted realities. These experiences can leave individuals feeling confused and anxious, ultimately affecting their day-to-day life. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the dangers of lucid dreaming, and what measures can be taken to minimize the risks involved.
Sleep Paralysis
One of the potential dangers of lucid dreaming is experiencing sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis occurs when the body is still in a state of paralysis that typically occurs during REM sleep (the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs). However, the individual has woken up and regained consciousness, leaving them aware of their surroundings but unable to move their body.
This experience can be quite frightening, as the individual may feel as though they cannot breathe, and may also experience hallucinations or a strong sense of presence in the room. It’s important to note that sleep paralysis is not unique to lucid dreaming and can occur during regular dreaming as well.
There are a few things that can trigger sleep paralysis:
| Trigger | Description |
|---|---|
| Irregular sleep patterns | Not getting enough restful sleep or waking up frequently during the night can increase the likelihood of sleep paralysis. |
| Stress or anxiety | High levels of stress or anxiety can have an impact on sleep quality and increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep paralysis. |
| Shift work or jet lag | Disruption to regular sleep patterns, such as those caused by shift work or traveling across time zones, can contribute to sleep paralysis. |
Sleep paralysis can be a frightening experience, but there are ways to cope:
| Coping Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Relaxation techniques | Deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and body, reducing the symptoms of sleep paralysis. |
| Improved sleep hygiene | Making sure you get enough quality sleep each night and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can reduce the likelihood of sleep paralysis. |
| Talking to a therapist | If stress or anxiety is contributing to sleep paralysis, talking to a therapist can help address those underlying issues. |
False Awakenings
One of the potential dangers of lucid dreaming is experiencing false awakenings. False awakenings occur when a person believes they have woken up from a dream, only to realize later that they were still in the dream state.
False awakenings can be disorienting and confusing, as individuals may believe they are awake and carry out their usual morning routine, only to suddenly find themselves still in bed, still dreaming. This can lead to a feeling of being trapped within the dream state and an inability to wake up.
False awakenings can also create a sense of anxiety or fear, as individuals may feel they are unable to distinguish reality from dreaming. This can lead to a lack of trust in their own perceptions and abilities to differentiate between waking life and the dream state.
To prevent false awakenings, it can be helpful to develop a practice of reality testing, where individuals check their surroundings and perform small tasks throughout the day to determine whether they are awake or dreaming. This can help train the brain to more easily recognize false awakenings and maintain a sense of control over the dream state.
If a false awakening does occur, it can be helpful to reality-test again and try to induce a lucid dream, enabling the dreamer to take control of the dream and direct its outcomes. However, if false awakenings become frequent or cause significant distress, it is important to seek guidance from a medical or mental health professional.
Distorted Reality
While lucid dreaming can be an exciting experience, it’s important to be aware of the possible dangers. One such danger is the potential for distorted reality. In a lucid dream, the dreamer has control over the dream environment and can manipulate it in any way they want. However, the dreamer’s perception of reality can become distorted, leading them to believe things that are not true or experienced in real life.
Some examples of distorted reality in lucid dreams include experiencing sensations that aren’t possible in real life, such as flying without any tools or falling for an extended period without being harmed. Additionally, lucid dreamers may encounter imaginary entities that seem real, leading to confusion about what is actually happening in the dream.
Distorted reality in lucid dreaming can also be dangerous because it can cause people to have a hard time distinguishing between reality and dream, especially in cases where the dream feels more real than everyday life.
It’s important to remember that while lucid dreaming can be an enjoyable experience, it’s still a dream and doesn’t reflect real-life experiences. It’s crucial to maintain perspective and not allow the dream to negatively affect one’s real-life decisions or perceptions.
Difficulty Distinguishing Reality from Dreaming
One of the most concerning aspects of lucid dreams is the difficulty some individuals have in distinguishing reality from dreaming. This is particularly common for those who experience frequent and vivid lucid dreams. The line between the two can become blurred, and it can be challenging to determine what is real and what is not.
This difficulty can lead to confusion and even disorientation upon waking up. It can also make it challenging to navigate the real world, as individuals may begin to question whether they are dreaming or awake. In extreme cases, this can lead to psychosis or other mental health issues.
Additionally, individuals may become obsessed with their dreams and struggle to prioritize their waking life. They may struggle to maintain relationships or hold down a job, as the dream world becomes their primary focus.
While lucid dreaming can be a fascinating and beneficial experience, it is essential to approach it with caution and an understanding of the potential risks involved. It’s crucial to maintain a strong sense of reality and to seek professional help if any negative side effects arise.
Conclusion
After delving into the intricacies of regular dreams and lucid dreams, it becomes clear that dreaming is still a subject full of mystery and wonder. Despite decades of research, scientists have only scratched the surface of understanding the purpose and function of our nightly adventures in the dream world.
One thing that is evident, however, is that lucid dreams offer a unique experience that regular dreams cannot match. The ability to control and manipulate one’s dreamscape and explore new realms of creativity and self-discovery is a fascinating prospect. However, it is also vital to understand that lucid dreams do come with some potential dangers and must be approached with caution.
Ultimately, the decision to delve into the world of lucid dreaming ultimately lies with the dreamer themselves. Whether you are seeking new levels of creativity, looking to overcome fears and nightmares, or simply want to experience something new, lucid dreaming can offer a plethora of benefits. However, it is essential to remember that despite the potential rewards, lucid dreaming does come with some risks and should be approached with care.
In conclusion, while the nature of dreaming may remain a subject of wonder and amazement, the differences between regular and lucid dreams are evident. Understanding the unique characteristics and potential benefits and dangers of lucid dreaming allows for a deeper appreciation of the power and possibility of the human mind during sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone have lucid dreams?
Yes, but it may take some practice and patience.
Can lucid dreams be dangerous?
There are some potential risks, such as sleep paralysis and difficulty distinguishing reality from dreaming.
What is reality testing?
It is a technique used to determine whether or not one is dreaming. This can be done by checking the time, looking in a mirror, or trying to push a finger through the other hand.
What is wake-induced lucid dreaming?
It involves waking up after a few hours of sleep and then going back to bed with the intention of having a lucid dream.
What is mnemonic induction of lucid dreams?
It is a technique that involves setting an intention to remember to recognize when you are dreaming and then repeating a phrase such as “I will realize I’m dreaming.”
Can lucid dreams be used for problem-solving?
Yes, some people use lucid dreams as a tool for creative problem-solving.
What are some strategies for overcoming nightmares with lucid dreaming?
One strategy is to face the nightmare and try to assert control over the dream. Another is to change the dream’s setting or storyline.
Can lucid dreaming improve mental health?
It may have some benefits, such as reducing anxiety and improving mood.
What are some common triggers for inducing lucid dreams?
Some common triggers include keeping a dream journal, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and setting a clear intention to have a lucid dream.
Is it possible to have a lucid dream without trying?
Yes, some people may spontaneously have a lucid dream, but it is more common with deliberate practice and techniques.
