Some issues with my first 2 WILD attempts

**exemptus** · 02-18-2012 02:20 AM

Hello,

I'm new to this site, and had been following instructions on the WILD technique to try and induce lucid dreams twice now. I live next to a freeway, a very audible freeway, and so have some binaural beats with some music to drown it out and have something to try and focus on.

So, both times I lay on my back, arms over my stomach with my earphones in. Before getting into bed I do some stretches to get some good blood flow and help relax my muscles. When I start, it's pretty easy to just let my mind drift and follow the sounds of the music. Sleep paralysis sets in pretty quickly, where I can't feel my arms or legs, and feel rather detached. I have a bit of an issue swallowing, since it damages my concentration.

The first time I had some minor convulsions. In my right leg and side of my abdomen there was a temporary spasm. However, I never seem to be capable of entering the hypnogic stage, or actually enter the lucid dream. I usually lay like this for over an hour before I start to feel extremely uncomfortable and just give up and lay on my side to go to sleep.

When I lay there, I try to focus on my breathing, and just focus solely on that, or try and visualize the music and push out other thoughts. I'm going to try again tonight, and would like some advice on how I should proceed. I appreciate any help given,

Thank you.

**Arch** · 02-18-2012 02:28 PM

Moved to WILD subsection

**OneiroMoon** · 02-19-2012 01:45 AM

Have both of your WILD attempts been without previous sleep? You should always sleep for at least 4-6 hours and then be awake for some time before trying to WILD. It's also possible to WILD during naps. If you already know this, then just keep it up!

Sleep paralysis sets in pretty quickly, where I can't feel my arms or legs, and feel rather detached.

What you describe here isn't sleep paralysis, but a sign that you're relaxed and in NREM sleep.

I have a bit of an issue swallowing, since it damages my concentration.

Don't worry. Swallowing doesn't hurt your WILD attempt. Just don't think about it too much, and you'll swallow automaticly.

The first time I had some minor convulsions. In my right leg and side of my abdomen there was a temporary spasm.

This occurs during NREM sleep, and it's completely normal. Neither this does harm to your WILD attempt.

However, I never seem to be capable of entering the hypnogic stage, or actually enter the lucid dream.

You don't need to see any hypnagogic imagery in order to enter a lucid dream. You'll reach sleep paralysis despite that you're not seeing any HI, and then you'll transition into a dream within a few seconds.

I usually lay like this for over an hour before I start to feel extremely uncomfortable and just give up and lay on my side to go to sleep.

Don't give up your WILD attempt just because you want to roll over. You can continue to stay aware after rolling over, because it's possible to WILD while lying on your side as well.