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Do ever wish you could smoke a blunt as big as your head? How about defeating an attacker in a nightmare, flying with eagles, living in a grand mansion, or talking to animals? Have you ever longed to reconnect with someone you used to know? No matter what your dreams are like, you can make all of that (and more!) happen through a phenomenon called “lucid dreaming.”
Lucid dreaming is the phenomenon of being aware you are dreaming while you are inside the dream. This has been known to bring about euphoria, self-reflection, and problem-solving.
Research shows most people can learn how to lucid dream, but it is harder for some than for others. Some dreamers are aware they are dreaming but are unable to take control. Others can control how they react to the dreams but cannot change the environment. Others can completely change up the narrative, as if filming their own movie. If you are a person who tends to remember their dreams, you will have an easier time lucid dreaming.
There are numerous guides explaining how to lucid dream, but there is something else that can help you on your lucid dreaming journey – CBD.
As it turns out, there may be a link between CBD and lucid dreaming. In this post, we will explore the ways taking CBD can help you start lucid dreaming.
What is CBD?
First, let’s go into a quick refresher on what CBD is and how it’s used. It is important to note, cannabidiol (CBD) is very different from THC, the primary cannabinoid in marijuana. CBD is known for being calming and relaxing, but it will not get you high or stoned in the way THC does. This is why CBD is often used for things like anxiety and insomnia.
In addition to promoting better sleep, CBD can also produce some vivid dreams. Many new CBD users report experiencing intense dreams, and researchers are starting to believe this is why there may be a connection between CBD and lucid dreaming.
[Related: What is CBD?]
CBD and Lucid Dreaming
While more research still needs to be conducted, it’s true CBD does affect one’s dreams. To understand how, you need to first know a bit about sleep patterns and THC.
Your body goes through different stages of a sleep cycle. The Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase is where you dream. According to research, THC is known to reduce the REM phase and increase the deep sleep phase. This is why THC can provide a restful sleep, but will often prevent someone from dreaming.
Until CBD is used.
Where there is no definitive research on CBD and lucid dreaming, many CBD users report more intense, memorable dreams. This creates the perfect mental environment for lucid dreaming, which is likely why many CBD users have experienced this phenomenon.
Ways to Lucid Dream
There are several things you can do to increase the likelihood of being able to lucid dream.
Take CBD
Because lucid dreaming takes place during the REM phase, spending more time in this part of the sleep cycle will help increase your chances of being able to lucid dream.
You can increase your REM phase by getting a solid rest, and CBD will help you do exactly that. CBD promotes better sleep with its calming and relaxing effects and the presence of myrcene, a sedating terpene. When you get a good night’s sleep, your body is able to go through all four stages of the sleep cycle.
Take a serving of CBD tincture prior to bed, and you will likely notice enhanced sleep. Even if you don’t end up lucid dreaming, taking CBD before bed is a good habit to get into for better sleep.
Write Down Your Dreams
Many people who lucid dream use a dream journal to help them. Writing down your dreams helps you to remember them, which will likely help you become more aware while you’re dreaming.
Keep a notebook and pen next to your bed. Write down your dream the moment you wake up. Read through your past dreams on a regular basis to become familiar with your dreams.
Use the MILD Technique
One of your innate mental abilities to set and carry out intentions for the future. You use this ability daily, such as when you remember to buy CBD body butter you saw earlier or to text someone back.
The MILD technique – Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming – utilizes this ability. It is a memory technique that helps you set and carry out the intention to remember you are dreaming. Researcher Stephen LaBerge coined this term and developed this method to help others increase their ability to lucid dream.
Begin by recalling a past dream (this is where a dream notebook comes in handy) and trying to identify something in the dream that makes you realize it was just a dream. Next, visualize yourself returning to the dream and recognizing the sign or symbol, called a “dream sign”, and then mentally set the intention. This doesn’t need to be complicated, just something like, “The next time I dream, I want to remember to notice my surroundings,” and then focus on seeing your sign in your next dream.
This is much easier to explain than it is to carry out, so don’t worry about it taking a lot of practice.
Practice Meditation
Research shows individuals who practice meditation on a long-term basis experience more lucid dreaming than those who do not meditate or do so for a short time.
Start with a basic mindful breathing meditation and work your way up to more advanced meditation.
Step 1: Get into a relaxed, comfortable position. You should be seated upright, but not tense. Rest your hands on your thighs, or wherever feels most comfortable.
Step 2: Be aware of, and relax, your body. Try to pay attention to how your body feels, the sensations you feel (such as a breeze across your skin or the carpet beneath you), and how tense your muscles are. Relax areas of tightness and just breathe.
Step 3: Become aware of your breath. Pay attention to the natural flow of your breath as you inhale and exhale. You don’t need to change how you breathe, just notice. Feel where your breath is in your body. It may be in your abdomen, or it may be in your chest. Focus on each individual breath, where it stops and another starts.
Step 4: Continue doing this for five to ten minutes. If your mind starts to wander, don’t stress. That’s very common. Instead, just gently refocus your attention back on your breathing.
Step 5: When you’re done, slowly open your eyes and once again focus on your body and how you feel sitting there. Let yourself remain relaxed a moment longer before getting up.
Tip: Use CBD tincture or smoke a CBD pre-roll for enhanced relaxation.
Using CBD for Lucid Dreaming
While there is not enough research to say for certain that CBD causes lucid dreaming, it is definitely a high possibility. Many CBD users report having wild or intense dreams, and this means those dreams can potentially become lucid for them.
If you’re thinking of using CBD tincture for better sleep, consider trying some of these lucid dreaming techniques. You never know what adventure you may end up going on.
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