Techniques

I read somewhere else that an effective way to induce a lucid dream is to have a "mantra" as you fall asleep like "I am dreaming" or something like that and to move your eyes to the left and right to induce REM sleep quickly.

Are these really that effective? I haven't had any luck yet.

Not sure about the eye moving bit but once in a great while when I'm determined to lucid dream, as I'm drifting to sleep I simply think 'lucid dream' between breaths. It's worked.

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I don't know about "mantras" but I occasionally will "count" my breaths as I repeat suggestions while I fall asleep.

For example:

Breathe in while thinking: "1 - I am dreaming" .. Breath out while thinking: "This is all a dream", Breathe in while thinking: "2 - I am dreaming".. Breath out while thinking: "This is all a dream.", etc.

or

Breathe in while thinking: "1 -Am I dreaming?".. Breath out while thinking: "Am I dreaming now?". etc.

You could also do the suggestions without counting your breaths (whatever is most comfortable for you).

If you have any other questions, please ask and we'll do our best to find you answers!
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I wouldn't move your eyes from left to right. If anything this would delay the onset of REM as your body would still think that you're awake due to moving your eyes consciously. and as for mantras, I find that they do work very well. Welcome to the forum, if you have any more questions keep posting them.

Wouldn't this postpone the the peroid of REM, i dont suggest this.