Thread: Some advice for a first attempt?

Hi. I just discovered this site today. Lucid dreaming has always been something that interested me, though I didn't know there was a term for it or such a community, so naturally I'm pretty excited about finding it.

I think I have LD'ed before. I have always been able to make RC's, I guess, because my dreams just look different. Their either foggy or things happen quickly. Like for example, in one dream I jumped out my windows and began running to my neighboors yard and automatically be there (This may have been an actual LD, as I was wishing I was there already and I was running from something, so maybe.). But most of the time I know I'm dreaming, I just sit back and let it take control though.

I have had somewhat of an introduction into LD'ing from a counselor I saw awhile back to try and designate the cause of chronic nightmares. He suggested that I attempt what I now understand to be a LD. I've found nightmares to be especially hard to remain calm during, so all I managed to do was wake myself up by panicking I guess.

Tonight I will make an attempt to LD, so can anyone donate some advice for preparing yourself before you sleep to increase your chances of having an LD? I've read to drink alot of water and setting an alarm clock for about 3 and to go to sleep early so that I can get alot of sleep. Anything else?