When you go to bed each night it takes approximately 16 minutes for your conscious mind to slow. One hour later, the dreams begin. We achieve the REM state of sleep at this point, and as memories are being stabilized, our minds are occupied with dreams. The REM sleep we get is when our most vivid dreams occur and consequently is the best time for lucid dreaming.

Each person’s dreams are unique. Some achieve lucid dreaming, and the dreamer controls aspects of the dream. During lucid dreaming, the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can exert control over elements of the dream. One can attain fantastical, inception-esque feats; flight and time travel are possible in the realm of imagination. Lucid dreaming empowers the sleeper, giving them control over one of the most complex and misunderstood processes the human mind is capable of.

So, how can you achieve lucid dreaming? A good first step is keeping a dream journal. Immediately upon waking up, write down any dreams you may have had. This trains you to remember your dreams, as there is not much point of lucid dreaming if you forget the dream once you awaken. Keep track of recurring symbolism that may exist in your specific dream world, as it can help differentiate between dreams and reality.Another way to prepare yourself for the dream process are frequent reality checks, as many aspects of our world simply do not carry over to the dream world. Words, for instance, appear blurry, nonsensical or ever-changing in dreams. If you can notice these signs, it can clue you into the fact that you are actually dreaming. You can draw an A on your palm right now and glance at it in frequent intervals, or try to push your finger through your palm. Once this becomes a habit that carries over to your dream self, you will notice that the “A” will not appear in your dreams, and your finger will go through your palm.

Other techniques you can use include meditation and playing video games. Meditation may make it easier for you to slip into the lucid dreaming state. This method is more difficult, but some report positive results. As for playing video games, it is still uncertain as to why it works, but gamers report a much higher rate of lucid dreaming. Even playing a few hours of video games a week could help.

Once you manage to reach the lucid dream state, you are given power over the dream. Remember to not over excite yourself when you realize you have managed to lucid dream, as this could cause you to wake up. Experienced lucid dreamers can become masters of their dreams, and with practice you can too. Good luck!