How exactly does the afternoon nap method work in inducing lucid dreams?
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How exactly does the afternoon nap method work in inducing lucid dreams?
Well, first of all afternoon naps don't 'induce' lucid dreams. Its just that generally when you lay down for a nap you slip almost directly into REM sleep. (Which is the best time to lucid dream; the sweet spot so to speak.) Your dreams will be both longer and more vivid during this time. You are not guaranteed to become lucid you just have a better chance. Also during a quick nap you usually do not usually slip off into the super low delta stages resulting in deep sleep.
Read up about the basics of the sleep cycle and phases Here.
Usually when you lay down for a nap it is not due to an excessive amount of physical or mental activity that you participated in that day; it is because you did not finish your sleep from the night before. You can choose to work through it and be tired and sulky all day or go have a nap and finish off completely refreshed.
When both your body naturally wants to crash (almost directly into REM) and your mind is willing and ready; it is very easy to fall asleep. This is similar to the WBTB method except you stay awake alot longer in between your core sleep and the nap. There are alot of variables that can result in a loss or gain of effectiveness but more often then not you will have an increased chance of lucidty.
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