The question of whether lucid dreams can be dangerous remains open. There is no scientific data confirming the danger or safety of lucid dreaming, as research in this area is extremely limited. However, it is worth considering that lucid dreams occur within the framework of a natural brain state that we experience every night—namely, the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase. Since our brain naturally goes through this stage for up to two hours per night, this state itself is unlikely to pose a physical threat.
Psychological Aspects of Lucid Dreaming
Despite the absence of physical risks, contraindications of lucid dreaming can arise from a psychological standpoint. The emotional intensity of such experiences can provoke fears, especially among beginners. Fears related to the instinct of self-preservation can emerge in the hyper-realistic environment of a lucid dream, where all sensations feel much more vivid than in real life. Such emotions can cause stress, especially for people with high anxiety or chronic illnesses.
How Fears Affect the Lucid Dreaming Experience
The greatest danger associated with lucid dreaming lies not in the dreams themselves but in a person’s emotional reactions to them. In lucid dreams, everything feels very real, and fears can manifest in hyper-realistic forms, which can damage the psyche. This knowledge is especially crucial for people who don’t know how to manage their emotions in such states. In some cases, fear can harm individuals with cardiovascular diseases, the elderly, or emotionally sensitive people (i.e., lucid dreamers who shouldn’t practice without caution.
Can You Stay in a Lucid Dream Forever?
Another frequent question is “Can you stay in a lucid dream forever?” The answer is unequivocal—no. The REM phase, during which lucid dreaming occurs, has a natural time limit. Once a person enters the REM phase, they wake up or transition into another sleep phase after 15–20 minutes. This makes it impossible to get stuck in a lucid dream forever.
Recommendations for Practitioners of Lucid Dreaming
Those who wish to practice lucid dreaming are recommended to take certain precautions. For one, limit your time in a lucid dream to 15 minutes, which corresponds to the natural duration of the REM sleep phase. Moreover, do not experiment with excessively prolonging this phase, as it may be unnatural for the body.
Mikhail Raduga – read books by the author
Recommended reading
Lucid Dreaming – Esoteric and Mystical Explanations
Gaining information through lucid dreams
