Lucid dreaming
Hello, doctor.
I have a question.
While dreaming, I can accurately recognize that I am dreaming, and it's a bit hard to explain.
For example, when I was younger, I had a nightmare related to "ghosts," but strangely, halfway through the dream, a voice told me, "This isn't real." As a result, I started to have a conversation with myself in the dream, saying, "There are no such things as 'ghosts'." Suddenly, I realized, "This is a dream," and when I said that, I opened my eyes.
Why does this happen? I really don't understand.
Not every dream gives me this awareness.
I am 18 years old now, and this has happened to me about five times from the past until now, with a few occurrences in recent years.
Is this something that can happen to other people? Do I need to see a doctor?
mou, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/03/12
Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: It is completely normal to dream while sleeping; everyone dreams every night, although in most cases, we do not remember the content of our dreams.
Sometimes we do recall our dreams, particularly if we wake up suddenly during certain stages of sleep (when dreaming occurs), and even then, it generally does not affect our daily lives.
Therefore, the root of your concern may not lie in the fact that you dream, but rather in how you perceive your dreams and their impact on you.
If this issue truly troubles you, it may be more beneficial to consult a doctor to determine if there are any underlying abnormalities.
Wishing you peace and joy!
Reply Date: 2003/03/12
More Info
Lucid dreaming, or the phenomenon where a person becomes aware that they are dreaming while still in the dream, is a fascinating subject that has intrigued both psychologists and neuroscientists. Your experience of recognizing that you are in a dream, particularly during a nightmare, is not uncommon and can be understood through several psychological and neurological frameworks.
Firstly, lucid dreaming typically occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, which is when most vivid dreaming happens. During this phase, the brain is highly active, and certain areas associated with self-awareness and decision-making, such as the prefrontal cortex, show increased activity. This heightened brain activity may allow some individuals to recognize the dream state, leading to the awareness that they are dreaming. Your experience of hearing a voice telling you "this isn't real" and subsequently realizing that you were dreaming indicates that your brain was actively processing information and making judgments about your reality, even while in a dream state.
The ability to become aware of dreaming can vary significantly among individuals. Some people may experience lucid dreams frequently, while others may never have them. Factors such as personality traits, sleep patterns, and even practice techniques (like reality checks or dream journaling) can influence the frequency of lucid dreaming. It’s also worth noting that some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards lucid dreaming, which could explain why you have experienced this phenomenon multiple times throughout your life.
Regarding your question about whether this could happen to others, the answer is yes. Many people report having lucid dreams, and there are even communities and resources dedicated to teaching techniques to induce lucid dreaming. This phenomenon is not considered a disorder or a medical issue; rather, it is a unique aspect of the dreaming experience that some individuals can harness for various purposes, such as overcoming nightmares, enhancing creativity, or simply enjoying the dream experience.
As for whether you need to see a doctor, it largely depends on how these experiences affect your daily life. If your lucid dreams are causing you distress, anxiety, or impacting your sleep quality, it might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a sleep specialist or a psychologist. They can help you explore these experiences further and provide strategies to manage any negative feelings associated with them. However, if you find that your lucid dreaming is not causing significant distress and you are simply curious about it, you may not need to seek medical advice.
In conclusion, lucid dreaming is a fascinating and relatively common phenomenon that can occur during sleep. Your ability to recognize when you are dreaming is a testament to your brain's capacity for self-awareness, even in altered states of consciousness. While it is generally not a cause for concern, if you feel that your experiences are troubling or disruptive, seeking professional guidance could be a helpful step. Understanding your dreams can lead to greater insight into your subconscious mind and may even enhance your overall sleep experience.
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