As far as I know, I've never had a lucid dream before in the 16 years of my life. I attempted to have one last night for the first time, but I failed (not to my surprise). One of main reasons I failed, I believe, was because I was slightly terrified of the sleep paralysis part (which I’ve experienced before so I know the frightening feeling that occurs while paralyzed) and, as a result, I became a bit nervous and kept waking up whenever I was on the verge of sleep paralysis.

Anyway, I have two questions for you lucid dreamers:

1. What’s it like having a lucid dream? Is it really as clear as real life, or is it much more vague? Are lucid dreams any clearer than non-lucid ones? Can you hear sounds and feel pains in these dreams?

2. Are the steps leading up to lucid dreaming scary? Like previously stated, I’m terrified of sleep paralysis. Would it really be worth enduring the horrors of sleep paralysis just for a few moments of lucid dreaming?

I suppose that’s more than two questions, but I’d greatly appreciate it if they were answered. Thanks in advance.