Ah, I see of course then. And so using an antagonist may have the inverse effect, causing an NREM rebound effect and loss of REM? Though if the supply of the melatonin antagonist was consistent across the whole night, then rebound might not occur, right? Though I'd suspect the next day of sleep, you'd be out cold in deep sleep. ^_^ lol you've influenced me, what can I say? Menthol ey... sounds promising. *looks around the house for menthol containing products* Let me know how that goes. That's quite interesting... because I used to smoke menthol cigarettes when on MDMA (purely because it gave a nice feeling). Do you think this, then, maybe contributed to the hallucinations? :O
Sounds right to me. :O Good find! I was wondering about what would be required to create an overstimulation of light perception in the cleanest way possible through a drug, a method even more specific than D2. I wonder if we could find something that directly stimulates these pRGCs, then we could create an entire branching into the dream world without even losing any form of normal consciousness or waking world functioning?
Here's a guess from making a connection between regulation of melatonin synthesis through light intensity: Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells (pRGC). Stimulating these suppress melatonin production, and so pineal gland activity. Right? Wrong?
(continued) Kappa-opioid receptor agonists (like menthol, and salvia) have effects through D2, it would seem, as activating them downregulates D2 and blocking them upregulates it. It would make sense too, since they are hallucinogenic. And I actually have read here on DV before about someone having intense dreams after using several menthol cough drops a night, so I think it's a perfect starting place! Well, maybe I shouldn't have phrased it quite that way.... More accurately, in the way we perceive reality, light and vibrations are the exact same thing. The mystical white light experience associated with psychedelics, dissociatives, salvia, amanitas, meditation, etc., and the vibrations of the dream/astral realm are one in the same. In fact, I wouldn't even doubt that being outside in the sun makes people happy because it brings us closer to the dream world. :3
That's correct. People take melatonin supplements because it increases non-REM sleep, thereby leading to a REM rebound later on the night when the REM phases would normally occur, so it actually does make sense. Hehe, now you're thinking like an insane chemist. (Or at least, like me lol.) I looked into the melatonin antagonist route, but it's definitely not preferred.... Plus, if it worked roughly the same way as melatonin, it might actually hurt chances of REM through the same rebound effect. It's certainly an interesting route of exploration, though. Well, what I currently have in mind is menthol. I think I might go get a bunch of menthol cough drops and try eating a few tonight before I go to bed tonight.
Hmm, so there's an inverse correlation between melatonin synthesis and REM sleep? Babies have more REM sleep than adults and I discovered that this correlates with an undeveloped pineal gland (leading to less melatonin synthesis). My question is: why do people take melatonin supplements as a means to induce lucid dreams -- isn't that flawed? So, would an effective melatonin receptor antagonist promote more REM sleep? o.0 This is the potentially 'toxic' route, so I'm interested how one can reduce production itself through another receptor... I don't have a clue ahhh, tell me, tell me. ^_^ Unless you just said, it is D2, of course. And what was the reference to light = vibrations?
It's light. Light = vibrations. The pineal gland's purpose is to synthesize melatonin corresponding to the light-dark cycle. Melatonin is correlated with darkness, that's why non-REM and melatonin go together. Melatonin blocks the effects of hallucinogens, and hallucinogens block the formation of melatonin... they deactivate the pineal gland. This effect can actually be achieved by light alone, but the level of light required to enter the dream world (total, blinding light for an extended period of time) would clearly be damaging to the eyes. The way the effect is achieved naturally is by shutting down the pineal gland through other means, like while dreaming. There's a receptor specifically involved in dreaming that facilitates this effect. Know what it is? I'll give you a hint. ...It's D2. >w<
Awesome, let me know what you think. X) Hellsing sounds interesting.... It's not the type of anime I would normally watch from the sound of it, but I could still give it a go. When I get around to it anyway, I've been slacking on watching anime. :T It's one of those interests that kind of comes and goes for me. I know, wouldn't that be just wonderful? Maybe we'll get lucky one of these days and the dreams really will match up, though. Well, I'm willing to find out the result through some experimentation. I've yet to have my mind satisfactorily ripped to to shreds.... Maybe that'll change for once, if you think you're actually up to the challenge. People do need to chill. That's why I used drugs. >w< I like being at threshold consciousness... that point where you're not so much a being as an idea.... If only existence was always so blissful.
Sure I'll like it, eh. Alright, I'll give it a go. As for Hellsing, I've no idea whether you'll like it or not... it's set in England, and living amongst the people are ghouls, demons, vampires etc. The organisation Hellsing are there to deal with any threats to the country, and Arucard is part of that organisation. He's the first ever vampire. It's gory, dark and bloody, and the main reason to watch it is only because of the sick and twisted Arucard. He's not the usual emo, fairy vampire in anime and twilight. ^_^
(continued) Well, at least we have our dreams -- if only dream sharing was a certainty, then all would be epicly perfect. Either way, I'll face the superpowered demon of you again. lol at asking if you need to have the power or the other person. >.< You want the power, then you take the power. And when you know you already have the power... no questions needed. You just know. Possession would be interesting... though if your mentality is submissive and mine dominant, how do you think that's gonna play out, eh? Definitely easier from the outside. As someone said: "Life is a comedy from afar" --- to me it's a comedy from up close too. I chill as much as possible. And yeah, it seems so possible in my mind, but only from my side. It seems unlikely for the other person... at least that's how it feels. 'People need to chill' - Wolfwood's Philosophy 101.
