Just saying hello. =-) (And a newbie question.)

[Xiertic]

I've recently been turned on to the notion of lucid dreaming, and the more I read about it the more absolutely fascinated with it I've become. After doing a lot of reading up on the whole thing I decided that I would give it a go. So, here I am. ^.^ Today marks only my first real day of dream journaling and reality checking, so I've no real experiences to share yet. That said I really wanted to find a good home/landing pad where I can discuss and read about the whole thing. After a quick Google search, you fine folks were the unlucky ones that got stuck with me. As of now I'm just using the journal and the reality checks. I want to get a feel for the whole thing and for using those methods before I branch off and start trying other methods. I've been checking randomly throughout the day, as well as every time I notice anything that seems weird or out of place, and also every time my surroundings change (like when I enter or leave a building). Seems a good habit to get myself into if I wanna catch myself dreaming, so it's what I'm going with. Well, that I can constantly tell myself that I *will* remember my dreams. Especially as I'm falling asleep. I've always had trouble with that, some times going weeks without remembering one. So it worried me. But after just one day of telling myself that I will, I in fact have remembered and written one down. Ah the power of suggestion, even to yourself. Question for you folks while I have you here, and pardon me if it's been done before. I don't usually sleep much. Nor do I have a set sleep schedule. Obviously, I'm looking to remedy this. But I'm finding it hard to fall asleep (and stay asleep) as the designated time 'cause I'm not used to doing so. In fact I'm using part of my scheduled 9am to 6pm sleep time right now to write this as I woke up and can't fall back asleep. Anyway, question is.. Let's say I take a sleep aid. One pill of Diphenhydramine/Benadryl. Is that going to mess with my lucid dreaming ability and/or my dream recall abilities? I thought that maybe I could use the pills to help me get more used to the sleep schedule, but if they're going to mess up my recall then maybe it's better that I just tough it out and get used to this schedule the old-fashioned way. Anyone with experience in this department that can toss me some input?

[PercyLucid]

Welcome to Dreamviews! This is indeed a great place to develop your dreaming skills and meet some awesome people! Not very sure about pills, but check if it blocks serotonin, because this is a very important enzyme to lucid dream (and have vivid dreams all together.) Also, make sure it does not suppress REM! I believe, as long as it does not mess up with those two, you will be fine, just make sure you consult a doctor before taking any medication Make sure to check out the Induction Methods and Techniques as it will help you a ton Also, do not miss the following! Attaining Lucidity ---------------> Many techniques here as well as users sharing their own experience. Tasks of the Month & Year --------------> This will give you a great motivation to lucid dream as these tasks are fun and gives you a reward for accomplishing them (and that will be an extra goal to help yourself to lucid dream!) Best luck and let me know if you got any questions

[Xiertic]

Hi and thanks for the reply, PercyLucid. I'm not too savvy on medications and their effects, but I can tell you that I had a pretty vivid dream whilst on the pill and even managed to remember/record it when I woke up. So perhaps it's not a completely hopeless thing. That said, I hope that within a week's time I won't need 'em to sleep anyway. Adjusting to this new schedule is just proving to be a minor nightmare in itself, is all. ^.^ -bookmarks and sets aside the links you provided- This'll give me something to read when I get off of work in the morning, so thank you. Actually managing to remember two dreams today is a big deal for me. As stated before, normally I can't remember any at all for weeks at time. Goes to show what a few mantras and some real motivation can do for a person, I suppose. Let you know if I have any questions for you... Hmm.... Will you bring me some coffee? I'm feeling too lazy to get up and get it.

[PercyLucid]

Here ya go, bud! And regarding to the pills, if you still have recall and such, they might not block serotonin or you might be not affected... keep us posted

[Xiertic]

Here ya go, bud! And regarding to the pills, if you still have recall and such, they might not block serotonin or you might be not affected... keep us posted Well, while it's only been about a week, so far I seem to have much more vivid dreams on the pill, and I remember them far better as well. It's a total night and day difference actually. I'm gonna lay off the pills entirely for a few days to be sure. But yeah, from where I'm standing I'm seeing only benefits so far.