My first attempt.

So I led in bed last night, and tried to recall what I had learnt on this website. Unfortunately, I have a terrible memory which is due to depression. The only thing I could remember was reality checks, and Mantra's. So I start falling asleep, and chanting my mantra in my head, and after about five minutes, my eyes started shaking rapidly, and uncontrollably. I'm confused at what this was? I read that REM happens 3-5 hours into sleeping? As this carried on, I noticed I was feeling very numb. Unfortunately, I fell asleep without dreaming. I dont even know what process I was attempting to attain lucidity. This all happened in about 10 minutes. Could anyone let me know what was happening? and also, tips would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like you started to go into sleep paralysis, this is a natural stage of sleep you go through before actually becoming unconscious. You will usually experiecne it when using the WILD technique, although because REM sleep doesn't happen for the first 3 hours it is unlikly to result in a lucid dream if you are trying this at night time. Do the same thing while having a nap in the afternoon or if you go back to bed after waking up early and there's a much better chance you will become lucid via this method.

When you're first strating out most people find DILD (Dream induced lucid dreams) an easier method for becoming lucid. Practice Reality Checks such as; holding your nose and trying to breathe in through it, throughout the day, particulary if you notice anything strange or unusual. If you do this enough times the habit will carry over to your dreams. In your dream when you perform a reality check you will notice the outcome is different (in this case you'll be able to breathe through your nose despite holding your nostrils shut). Since you can breathe dspite holding your nsoe shut you know this must be a dream and will often become lucid!

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the help InfiniteMinds, I might have a nap later and see how it goes. I'll try the DILD method out tonight too. I also subscribed to your newsletter, I like the idea of it very much.