Hi.

Hi, I'm not that new as I've been lurking since 2011. I don't know what keeps drawing me back to this place and I don't know what I'd like to gain out of this. Maybe more control over my sleep. When I was younger I would be able to lucid dream very easily. But now, I have no control and I do not do it anymore. And I never remember my dreams. When I do, they're nightmares that ruin my day. I have tried many things, including various techniques, binaural beats, foods, medicines, etc. to no avail. Maybe it is a lost talent.

A little bit about me. I am a student. I study photography and art therapy and also work for a lifestyle/fashion magazine in my city. I'm also a manic depressive with severe anxiety. I think it's my antidepressants (Elavil) that stop me from lucid dreaming. But I can't NOT take them. I have no control if I don't take them. I need to be in control.

I'm looking forward to meeting new people, and seeing familiar faces again.

I know how you feel mentally, I have Bipolar, social anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder however none of my medicines interfere with my sleep, at least to my knowledge. the Anti-Depressant I am on is Wellbutrin

Hey, I remember Elavil. It was the one that did nothing for me, as opposed to the one that made life hell for me (Effexor.)

Elavil definitely does have an effect on your sleep, and some doctors actually prescribe it as a sleep aid. I think it makes a lot of people sleep very deeply and, presumably, spend less time in REM sleep. But I'm the same as you in that I'd prioritize being functional over lucid dreaming.

Playing with your body chemistry (food, natural medicine) probably isn't going to help much as the medication is doing exactly what it's supposed to, and hopefully it will continue to do so. That means that hacking your behaviour and thought patterns is the best bet. That would include dream journalling and wake-back-to-bed (WBTB) techniques.

What have you tried in terms of dream journalling? I know you say you don't remember your dreams, and that can be frustrating when you try to start a dream journalling practice. I've found that the best way to deal with that is have a notebook right next to your alarm so you can write down your first thoughts and feelings of the day. Describing what you were feeling as you woke up with your alarm means you're starting to pay attention to your thought processes during the very early morning, and this will trigger the ability to remember more of your dreams.

Hope this was somewhat helpful!

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Originally Posted by Samael

Hey, I remember Elavil. It was the one that did nothing for me, as opposed to the one that made life hell for me (Effexor.)

Elavil definitely does have an effect on your sleep, and some doctors actually prescribe it as a sleep aid. I think it makes a lot of people sleep very deeply and, presumably, spend less time in REM sleep. But I'm the same as you in that I'd prioritize being functional over lucid dreaming.

Playing with your body chemistry (food, natural medicine) probably isn't going to help much as the medication is doing exactly what it's supposed to, and hopefully it will continue to do so. That means that hacking your behaviour and thought patterns is the best bet. That would include dream journalling and wake-back-to-bed (WBTB) techniques.

What have you tried in terms of dream journalling? I know you say you don't remember your dreams, and that can be frustrating when you try to start a dream journalling practice. I've found that the best way to deal with that is have a notebook right next to your alarm so you can write down your first thoughts and feelings of the day. Describing what you were feeling as you woke up with your alarm means you're starting to pay attention to your thought processes during the very early morning, and this will trigger the ability to remember more of your dreams.

Hope this was somewhat helpful!

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Samael. I love that name. I have always thought that when I get a second cat, I would name him Samael. My current kittens name is Lilith.

In terms of dream journaling, I have pretty good dream recall when I can remember my dreams, I can remember them for days. I keep somewhat of a dream journal.. Moreso a general journal that I try to keep updated multiple times throughout the week. This includes my dreams. I don't have a dedicated dream journal, however. As it would only upset me I think. But maybe I should try it. The only dreams I have are nightmares revolving around the same theme; loved ones hating me. But I've never thought of just journaling first thoughts and feelings. Thank you, I will keep this in mind.

It was. I'll be sure to keep you in mind if I have any questions.

Welcome to the forum!

Maybe you could ask your doctor to try different medicine, one that doesn't interfere with sleep. Good luck.

Hi Ugh :) nice that you've been around so long and great that your getting more and more out of this great site! I love it too :goodjob:

See you around :offtobed:

Ugh... a new member to the forums!!

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I don't know much about medications and its effects on lucid dreaming, so I can't help you there. But, you said that most of your nightmares revolve around loved ones hating you, so you could probably use that as a dream sign to become lucid.

See you around the forums :).

Welcome aboard! I like your avatar! :)