Supplements and Placebo Effect

[Nailler]

Is there any true scientific evidence, a double-blind study for example that proves an increase in dream lucidity, beyond placebo effect, by reason of taking a supplement of one kind or another?

[Xei]

There are supplements which increase the frequency and vividness of dreams for sure, and obviously increased dreaming would cause a rise in the number of lucid dreams. As for any supplements which increase the proportion of dreams which are lucid, I very much doubt there are any studies.

[Goldenspark]

To do a double-blind trial like that you would also have to have some sort of proof of lucidity, which is not easy! LaBerge did it by asking the subject to flick their eyes to a pre-agreed pattern while in an LD, although I don't know how scientific this "proof" was. I guess one way would be to simply take a placebo or a real supplement double-blind, and simply record which nights the subject claimed to have an LD. Although I accept the placebo effect is very powerful, I don't have much doubt from personal experience. Even from limited attempts, the LDs I've had would be very unlikely if not from some effect from the supplements.

[FryingMan]

I think LaBerge has done research on galantamine showing it effective (?). There sure is a lot of ad-hoc "it worked great for me!" anecdotes out there. I personally have never had any noticeable affect yet from any supplement, be it galantine + choline, peppermint tea, St. John's Wort, Apple juice, peanut butter, soy lecithin, etc., etc. The absolute best dream results for me come when I'm well-rested, sleeping 8+ hours regularly, no stress, have no bedroom distractions, am very regular with daytime practice, and motivated. These make tons more difference than any pills I've taken so far.