A Research team led by Dr. Denholm Aspy performed an experiment to tests techniques that have been said to induce Lucid Dreaming. Researchers from the University of Adelaide brought in 169 individuals to participate in the dream study. They put multiple dream controlling techniques to the test and made an astonishing discovery. Lucid dreaming is actually possible.
Scientific research
Lucid dreaming is a state of being in which the person is aware that they are dreaming and has control over the progression of the dream. Until recently, controlling one's own Dreams was thought to be something of science fiction or fantasy.
Now, researchers have discovered that lucid dreaming is real, and they also know how to induce it.
Aspy employed several different dream control techniques to discover which ones would be the most successful. First was reality testing. This had participants get into a habit of checking to see that they were awake. Results showed that reality testing alone could not induce lucid dreams. However, Aspy discovered that it could be used along with other techniques for dream control.
Menomic induction of lucid dreams (MILD) was used in conjunction with reality testing. This technique had individuals set five-hour alarms to interrupt their sleep. Upon waking, the participants were asked to repeat the words, "The next time I am dreaming, I will remember that I'm dreaming." After reciting this sentence, they would fall back to sleep.
With the combination of reality testing and MILD, 17% of participants in the study experienced lucid dreams. Even though that comes out to only 1 in 6 participants experiencing control over their dreams, it is still a significant find. It is verification that lucid dreaming is absolutely real.
Controlling dreams
It is estimated that approximately 55% of people have, at some point, experienced a lucid dream.
As a child, Aspy experienced a lucid dream. He had a second one the night before he was set to begin studying for his doctorate.
Scientists believe that in the future lucid dreaming may be used to help trauma victims recover. Also, lucid dream techniques could potentially be used to help modify unhealthy behaviors. Apsy will continue to experiment with dream controlling techniques and is currently accepting new participants.
As of now, people who experience lucid dreams tend to wake up fairly quickly. Aspy and his research team hope to perfect dream controlling techniques to extend lucid dreaming periods to up to one hour.
