Originally Posted by
ZenVortex
FILD is a very important technique. Here's why. The portion of the brain called the cerebellum is responsible for all muscular movement. When we fall asleep, it switches off (so we don't physically enact our dreams) and takes on a new function, which is to store dream memories. That is why when we awake, we can stimulate dream recall by moving something such as an arm or a leg -- or a finger. By moving the finger while falling asleep, it appears that we keep a small section of the cerbellum active, which is enough to trigger lucidity.
The big problem with FILD is the reality check. The usual RC, which is to pinch your nose and try breathing through it, is too disturbing if you are not yet asleep and can keep you awake. Perhaps another RC is to try and poke your finger through the bedsheet, and sink it into the mattress. By the way, I myself haven't had any success with FILD, but mainly because I haven't really tried it much. However, I think its a really promising technique and definitely worth exploring.
[/b]