Negative Dreaming Aids - Foods/drinks/supplements

**Solid** · 08-18-2010 10:47 AM

Alot seems to have been posting on what helps aid Dream recall/lucidity but nothing really seems to have been posted on what hinders dreaming. I only decided to make this after a week of using Horlicks. In the Uk, Horlicks is a powder you mix with milk that helps you to sleep. My recall is normally pretty good but after a week of drinking Horlicks before bed, I couldnt remeber a dam thing. As soon as I stopped drinking, recall returns with a Lucid dream to boot (Rem Rebound?)

Looking at the back of the pack I couldnt see anything that marked it out as being "Dreamless" or anything so something in it must be acting as a blocker. Thought it might interest some people to know. Was wandering if other foods/drinks can have this effect that maybe no one has picked up on. It seems to me that if foods like nuts, bananas, pickled onions etc have a positive inpact on dreaming, it only stands to reason that certain foods would act in the opposite way.

With your help maybe we could compile a list of things to avoid before bed time!

**DawgBone** · 08-24-2010 09:14 PM

This is a great idea! We should also research the effects of things other than food and supplements.

Does excessive TV watching affect dreams?
What about exercise?
Phase of the moon?
Etc.

**WanderingMind** · 08-24-2010 10:47 PM

There is a thread on what hinders dreaming, but it's probably less conclusive than the suppository we have for what aids dreams and lucid dreams. The reactions vary depending on person.

**xLuCaNe** · 09-12-2010 02:38 PM

uhm i have b6 melatonin and fish oil how would i go about taking these in the right order to enhance lucid drreaming ?

**buckybadger010** · 09-13-2010 04:12 AM

Wandering, as much allure as a lucid dream suppository has, I believe you were looking for a word like "repository." I don't mean to be a grammar nazi, but it gave me a good chuckle.

**kunfu11** · 09-15-2010 04:43 PM

Well certainly drinking/eating anything with lots of sugar or caffeine isn't going to help.

**SystemsLock** · 09-16-2010 05:53 AM

Actually, caffeine should help. Contrary to popular belief (lies spread by Inception) dreams occur when you are closest to being awake. Things that put you to sleep (sleeping pills) reduce dreams while things that keep you up (caffeine, sugar, etc.) enhance them. The caffeine should be taken immediately before sleep though as you want to fall asleep before it has time to kick in.

**DawgBone** · 09-16-2010 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by SystemsLock

Actually, caffeine should help. Contrary to popular belief (lies spread by Inception) dreams occur when you are closest to being awake. Things that put you to sleep (sleeping pills) reduce dreams while things that keep you up (caffeine, sugar, etc.) enhance them. The caffeine should be taken immediately before sleep though as you want to fall asleep before it has time to kick in.

Caffeine is great if you like heart palpitations, emotional instability, etc., etc.

Caffeine is basically a form of poison which if taken daily results in diminished, not increased productivity. A heavy duty, nasty, addictive drug. Not recommended.

**SystemsLock** · 09-17-2010 03:24 AM

Wooah, hold on there.

A heavy duty, nasty, addictive drug.

Sure, caffeine is drug. But it's not a drug drug. Overdoses are pretty much unheard of.

Caffeine is great if you like heart palpitations, emotional instability, etc., etc.

Heart palpitations has never been proven. Care to cite some sources? Emotional instability is an opinion, if you're taking 250+ mg per day, sure you're going to see a little withdraw, under that and the effects are negligible.

Caffeine is basically a form of poison

Caffeine is no poison, it's completely safe, FDA approved.

if taken daily results in diminished, not increased productivity

I agree that consistent high doses of caffeine creates dependency and perhaps reduced productivity. HOWEVER infrequent, moderate, doses have been shown to increases cognitive function and release a pleasant amount of dopamine.

Of all the drugs you pick to go on a crusade over, you pick caffeine? Caffeine is probably the mildest neural stimulant out there. It's probably not good for you but it's far from bad. Besides, what the hell are you blowing up over me for? I was merely stating medical fact.

**Joeb** · 09-17-2010 04:28 AM

There are endless substance questions. Some people like to have a nightcap of alcohol. Others would say that causes restless sleep. Some say that it is better for dreaming. I would also question the use of mariuana. What effect does this have. Positive or negative. Let me know your opinions.