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Lucid dreaming has both dangers and benefits. Do the benefits make lucid dreaming worth the risk?
dangers
benefits
Dangers of Lucid Dreaming
(Stefani et al.) (Timperley), (Mallet), (Medic et al.)
A study by Liat Aviram, Nirit Soffer-Dudek conducted in 2018 conducted with undergraduates focused on the link between lucid dreaming and psychotic symptoms. 187 students participated in lucid dreaming, the techniques they used to induce the dreams are unknown but about a third of the participants had developed symptoms of schizotypy.
Attempting to lucid dream may lead to nightmare disorder, sleep paralysis, sadness, worsened mood from failed attempts, and sleep deprivation which may have numerous effects.
Low control or failed lucid dream attempts can cause sadness and lowered motivation, which may affect numerous aspects of daily life
Induction techniques may lead to sleep deprivation.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation may increased chances of developing hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, weight related issues, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, mellitus, and colorectal cancer
Lucid dreaming an cause Lucid nightmares are when you experience nightmares, but can control and feel yourself in them. You know you are dreaming, which makes you aware of your surroundings and senses as if in real life. These nightmares are worse than regular nightmares, your senses are heightened compared to normal nightmares, as well as emotions.
Sleep paralysis isn’t always caused by lucid dreaming, but there are multiple cases in which it was. Sleep paralysis dates back to ancient Persia, and is described as not being able to move upon awakening, and may be accompanied by visual, tactile, and/or auditory hallucinations. Each episode may range from a few seconds to a few minutes, and causes torment to the person experiencing it
Advantages of Effective Lucid dreaming
(Timperley), (Mallet)
Adventure
Slight benefit from the body reacting to exercising in dreams.
There are advantages that can help with certain mental disorders, like feeling better and more energized when you wake up which can help fight depression and anxiety
With practice, lucid dreaming can end nightmares and nightmare disorder
Generally better feeling
Can act similarly to exposure and response therapy
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