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One day, a person suddenly realizes they are dreaming. From that moment, the dream stops being an unfamiliar land of random images and turns into a lucid dream.
The idea of creating worlds within dreams with just a thought is fascinating, and it naturally sparks the desire to repeat the experience again and again. But soon, questions and doubts arise: What are the consequences of lucid dreaming? Is it safe? What are the cons of lucid dreaming?
A dreamer who has mastered the technique of lucid dreaming may come across many tips, pieces of advice, and even warnings on the topic. But it’s important not to believe everything you read online.
Years of research, along with the experiences of frequent lucid dreamers, provide answers to many of these concerns. Let’s explore some of the apprehensions related to the pros and cons of lucid dreaming.
In his book The Phase: Shattering the Illusion of Reality, Michael Raduga addresses these concerns by stating that no scientific studies have confirmed or disproven the negative consequences of lucid dreaming. Therefore, any claims about the dangers of lucid dreams are unfounded.
Still, discussions about disrupted sleep cycles, detachment from reality, and escapes into fantasy worlds often arise on the internet. These are some of the commonly cited lucid dreaming cons. But do these drawbacks of lucid dreaming actually exist?
The answer is both yes and no.
What Are the Consequences of Lucid Dreaming?
We all know that dreams, which occur during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep phase, are a vital part of our nightly rest and a natural function of the human body. To claim that dreaming — an inherent part of our biological rhythm — is harmful would be quite strange.
According to research conducted in Michael Raduga’s LaBerge Lab, lucid dreaming is associated with the signals of the REM phase and often happens spontaneously, regardless of whether someone actively practices lucid dreaming or is completely unaware of the practice. Therefore, it’s unreasonable to say that lucid dreams are harmful.
However, it is essential to consider the impact of the emotional and mental impressions left on a person after they have a lucid dream.
Once someone becomes lucid in a dream, they may be filled with intense emotions — not only the exhilaration of the surreal experience but also concerns and doubts, which we will discuss further below.
Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia – Frequent Consequences of Lucid Dreaming?
It’s important to note that disturbances such as sleep deprivation and insomnia, if they happen to arise in those practicing lucid dreaming, are more related to the person’s approach to the practice than a direct result of lucid dreams.
Sleep issues can stem from overly high expectations, thoughts like “I must achieve lucidity tonight,” a disrupted sleep schedule, or excitement about upcoming dream experiences. These are situational and not inherent lucid dreaming cons.
In any case, once a person acknowledges that a lucid dream is not such an extraordinary event in one’s life, many of these concerns tend to fade.
You can learn how to properly manage lucid dreaming and create a sleep schedule through Michael Raduga’s free courses, including his video series Complete Course on Lucid Dreaming from Beginner to Expert.
Loss of Interest in Real Life
There is a widespread belief that lucid dreaming negatively impacts one’s outlook on real life, causing them to lose interest in daily activities. This is often cited as one of the cons of lucid dreaming.
In his video I Responded to My Critics. Here’s What Happened, Michael Raduga explains that with proper practice, this won’t happen. Life is beautiful in all its aspects, and our dreams are just one part of it. Lucid dreams alone don’t have the power to ruin someone’s interest in reality. In fact, the same argument could just as easily be made about video games or smartphones, which often absorb much of people’s attention.
If someone loses touch with reality, it’s due to their personal choices, as managing one’s time properly is that person’s responsibility.
Disruption of Social Relationships
Sometimes, a beginning lucid dreamer may want to share their exciting experiences with their friends, family, or acquaintances. It may seem harmless — after all, many people share their dream stories. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
When someone talks about their lucid dreams or admits that they can control the events in their sleep, others might react with confusion or even rejection. The person’s friends might even start rolling their eyes or expressing concern about the dreamer’s mental state.
The only advice in such cases is this: it’s not worth discussing lucid dreams with people who aren’t open to the possibility of lucid dreaming. Not only can negative comments and doubts about the storyteller’s sanity harm their relationships, but they might also discourage them from continuing their lucid dreaming practice.
However, it’s unlikely that this kind of reaction is limited to the subject of lucid dreams. People often react this way when someone discusses any topic outside their own interests or passions.
In the end, it’s up to the dreamer to decide who to share their thoughts and experiences with.
How Serious Are These Concerns?
In summary, the fears surrounding lucid dreaming are often based on unverified stories and hold little scientific backing. Most concerns are insignificant, as long as one approaches the practice without excessive anxiety or fanaticism.
Lucid dreaming offers a unique, immersive experience, and like any other skill, it has pros and lucid dreaming cons. The key to a successful and enjoyable practice is maintaining balance and understanding the boundaries of lucid dreaming.
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