Thread: Can Caffiene help you to lucid dream?

I'm a person who drinks energy drinks quite a bit and wondering if I can boost your chances somehow to have lucid dreams, or will it affect it? Just a random question!

Hey FuzzyPotatoes.

I'm not entirely sure, but from what I've read:

In their book "The World of Caffeine," Bennett Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K. Bealer report that caffeine may have an effect on the onset and quality of REM sleep. Weinberg and Bealer report that caffeine appears to shorten the deeper phases of REM sleep and lengthen the lighter phases. Moreover, those who drink caffeine may toss and turn more frequently while asleep, the authors report, possibly the result of increased muscle tension. Those who drink caffeine are also more likely to be disrupted and awakened by noises while asleep, Weinberg and Bealer report.

If it shortens REM sleep, perhaps that could mean you would have lesser chances of lucid dreaming? (Since most vivid dreams occur at this stage, and you only get little, then you could also have lesser chances of becoming lucid) But I really don't know. I know caffeine is a physical stimulant, but I don't know if it increases mental awareness, etc.

But on the bright side, if you get awakened a lot, you could use that to have DEILD, hehe ;D


P.S. Here are some links if you're interested:
THE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON DREAMS
CAFFEINE & WEIRD DREAMS
http://www.selfdevelopmentforum.com/...hp?topic=263.0

I believe the quote states that it lengthens the lighter phases of REM, which I believe is the point most people get to when they realize they're dreaming. This is why people wake up if they don't properly stabilize. I also believe that if it shortens the deeper phases, then it will make staying in the lucid dream harder. Just my two cents worth. Happy Dreaming!

What destinguishes light REM phases from deep REM phases?

Originally Posted by TruMotion

What destinguishes light REM phases from deep REM phases?

I am guessing that HawkeyeTy is referring to REM dreams becoming more intense as the sleep cycle progresses through the night (but I could be wrong). REM dreaming is the most intense near the end of sleep.

Precisely. Lighter periods of REM, are when the other side of the brain starts becoming active, throwing wild sensations into the dream, yet making it easier to wake up.

So I had about 5 or so cups of coffee about 5 hours before bed yesterday, and the results were as expected. Long periods of lighter sleep making the dreams more vivid and lifelike, as well as waking up frequently. Things in my dream were quite lifelike, I even had a false awakening.
I also could have done DEILD, but I felt something crawling on me and I flipped my shit. lol
Needless to say, caffeine can help, but I'm sure there are other ways to help attain lucidity that don't keep you quite as awake.