Hi all,

As you can probably tell, I'm new here. I was drawn here by a memory that I have when I must have been 12-14 years old (I'm now 20). I was sitting in my van as my dad was driving and I began falling asleep but entering a dream at the same time. All of a sudden, I thought "holy shit, wait a second, I'm actually sleeping right now and in my van! I'm in a dream!" and got totally jacked at the idea of being consious within a dream, and immediately awoke to my dismay.

Completely captivated by the experience, I went online back then and did some research. I found that I had experience a "lucid dream" and it's very common to get overly excited and wake up. I do not believe DreamViews existed back then or I would have certainly read the entire site as I recently have. According to this website, what I experienced all those years ago was a Wake-Induced Lucid Dream (WILD) as I'm sure the more experienced of you have figured out.

Having read everything I could on this website, I now plan on dedicating some effort to inducing LDs, because I realize what an incredible feeling and experience it is. Before I begin, however, I have a few questions:

  • What is, on average, the timeframe I can expect to first be able to achieve acceptable dream recall, then induce an LD? I understand it is different for everyone, so if everyone here were to post their timelines I can get a general idea.
  • Let's say I'm successful at inducing an LD. Will I wake up mentally tired but physically rested? (Obviously it will be worth it). Or do I awake both mentally and physically refreshed regardless?
  • Does alcohol or weed have any affect on either the likelihood or ability of inducing an LD? On weekends I am certainly going to bed under the influence of one or both of these substances.


I appreciate any answers and insight into this incredible phenomenon, as well as your time and effort to respond to me!