One should consider that one has options.

When you are awake and are about to lay down, then the most expeditious option is to go for Astral Projection or Out of Body Experience. One lifts out of the body that has become relaxed. This is NOT the right time for Lucid Dreaming. You see, Lucid Dreaming is still Dreaming, and Dreaming is connected to the REM Cycles. Early in the night REM cycles occur every 90 minutes. That is a long time to lay there. Yes, as the night progresses the REM cycles shorten up. But even then, the choice one should make when laying down to relax is to Astrally Project.

What about Lucid Dreaming? Well, that can wait for when one is Dreaming. When you are in a Dream, just realize it -- "Oh, this is a Dream." And then recall one's pre-programmed Lucid Dream Checklist. Nothing is worse then going Lucid in a Dream, where one only has a minute or two before the Dream is over, and have absolutely no plans as to what one wants to do. You finally have a Lucid Dream and you use it to stick your thumb up your ass.

What about Astral Projection? Well, yes, it can be deadly dull if one only uses it to flit about the house and garden. The Key word in Astral Projection, then, should be "astral". First, one should put some distance between one's self and the 'body', so you do not get sucked back in. The body is like a magnet to the spirit, and so you need to get away from it so that the attraction is diminished. But after that, don't waste the opportunity by poking around the kitchen or the yard. Will yourself to a Higher Astral Level. Do a Mantra. Think of a particular Spiritual Archetype. If successful, then you will arrive to a place that seems almost exactly like a Lucid Dream Scene.

You see, in this regards Astral Projection and Lucid Dreaming are indistinguishable. However, where the distinctions are important between Astral Projection and Lucid Dreaming are in the induction phases. It is conceptually so much easier to Astrally Project when first laying down. One simply lifts up from the body. But to Lucid Dream when one is still awake -- it fights against simple intuition. Astral Project from Waking and Lucid Dream from Dreaming. it is just easier that way.