Questions and Concerns About Lucid Dreaming

This may be a little too soon, but I'd like to get the opinion of a few other lucid dreamers before I continue.

I first heard about lucid dreaming about five or six days ago from a messageboard that I frequent. Since then, I've been practicing the lucid dreaming techniques that were suggested by various websites on the internet. I've started my dream journal and have been looking towards a clock and asking myself 'am I dreaming' each time something strange happens.

All the above is fine.

However, lately, even though I may be sleeping for an entire night, have been feeling drained and tired. My friends have even noted my physical tiredness. The problem - the only thing I have changed is attempting to recognize my lucid dreaming. Last night it was difficult for me to sleep at all, despite feeling tired; this leads to even further tiredness today. Actually, now that I consider it, I may not be sleeping the entire night. I've been waking up from time to time, only briefly, between dreams. I've been able to remember much more vividly what I had dreamed about that night, but I wake up in between.

I suppose my question is, is this a result of attempting lucid dreaming? If so, will it end or will I just need to sleep more?

i doubt it is because of trying to lucid dream

but if it is you shouldnt put your health ahead of lucid dreaming

Just a recommendation, don't put too much hope into Lucid Dreaming. It can get really frustrating if you work too hard on it. I'd say, passively introduce it into your life.

Btw, I believe that once you master lucid dreaming, you won't need as much sleep, because in a sense, you are in more control of your general sleep cycles when you control your dreams.

How many hours is normal for you to sleep?

I would suspect that your fatigue will pass as your mind adapts to the whole concept. If it does not, give it a rest (no pun intended) for awhile and give it another go in a week or two.

I'm assuming that you are using WILD, MILD, VILD or WBTB.. something like that. A WILD based induction method.

If thats the case I have some suggestions
Firstly you might be trying too hard to visualise things and not able to sleep properly. Some people have this problem with these wake-induced methods.

Every person reacts differently to the different induction methods, and I suggest you try something less strenuous for you.

I might suggest that you try a dream-induced method - involving reality checks, etc. With dream-induced methods, you aren't straining to visualise or remember anything. Thus it shouldn't cause you sleep deprivation.

Eg. Try learning to do regular reality checks in your day. Its more difficult to make a habit, but has more lasting effects in my opinion.
The 'nicest' and least embarrasing check so far is to close one eye, look at your nose. Even if you see your nose, then pinch your nose closed and try to keep breathing normally. Try not to concentrate on the breathing - just keep doing it naturally (ie you way you do without thinking about it)
If both those checks dont make sense, then you're dreaming :)

If the reality check method doesn't work for you after some time (don't expect an immediate reward) then find a different method. And so on.
Eventually you will find something that suits you best ;)

Yeah, I have the same thing. Even after 10-12 hours of sleep, I may feel tired during the day.

I have 2 ideas of why it may happen:
1)I'm taking melatonin. But its not the main idea.

2)I've turned into a very light sleeper and I rarely get any Delta (or teh deepest) sleep, because I wake up that often...

Welcome! :yumdumdoodledum:

I've noticed a shift in my sleep patterns as well. I wake up between every dream now and spend my early morning hours in light REM sleep.

It can be tiring at first, but try to get an extra hour of sleep if you can. Also, how much exercise do you get? A moderate exercise program, when followed reduces the amount of sleep you need.

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I wake up between every dream now and spend my early morning hours in light REM sleep. [/b]

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I think this is exactly what is happening to me.
I remember my dreams, but I wake up in-between.

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Also, how much exercise do you get? A moderate exercise program, when followed reduces the amount of sleep you need.[/b]

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I take an exercise class, so I get a fairly moderate amount of exercise.

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Even after 10-12 hours of sleep, I may feel tired during the day. [/b]

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Yes, I think this is my problem as well. Take for instance last night - I went to bed at 8:00 PM and fell asleep at about 8:15 PM. Then, I woke up at about 6:15 AM this morning and I still feel tired; even after 10 hours of sleep. I look tired as well. I do remember waking up at about twelve or so, and again at about five in the morning, but only for about five to fifteen minutes.

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The 'nicest' and least embarrasing check so far is to close one eye, look at your nose. Even if you see your nose, then pinch your nose closed and try to keep breathing normally. Try not to concentrate on the breathing - just keep doing it naturally (ie you way you do without thinking about it) [/b]

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Thanks for the tip! :)
Lately I've been trying to do a clock reality check, but sometimes I can't find one nearby quick enough. I've also been telling myself that 'when I go to sleep, I will become lucid' before I drift off. That is the WILD technique, correct?

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but if it is you shouldnt put your health ahead of lucid dreaming[/b]

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I agree, and if sleep becomes too much of a problem I'll probably stop.


Thanks for all the help everyone.