- Research Blog 5 - Literature Review 2 -

 - Literature Review #2 - 

~ Citation ~
Induction of lucid dreams: A systematic review of evidence 

All involved in the production of the article are individuals who are related to the institutes of sports and sport sciences, psychology, and mental health. Each has also participated in the authorship of numerous other articles that have contributed to the study of dreams and sleep. 

~ Summary ~ 

     This article compiles evidence in order to review the taxonomy of lucid dreaming and its induction methods. This includes the cognitive methods, external stimulation, and drug applications that are related to the topic. In addition, the article highlights that none of the induction techniques presented work on demand but have some potential in doing so. Furthermore, the taxonomy of these methods is presented with evidence of effectiveness levels to verify each, and considerations for future methodology and directions are given to further the research on lucid dreaming.

    The introduction is divided into two subsections; (1) Lucid Dreams and (2) Induction techniques and their classifications. The former defines LD as potentially needing seven aspects in order to be proclaimed as lucidity in dreams. These are as follows; (1) clarity about the state of consciousness (2) clarity about the freedom of choice (3) clarity of consciousness (4) clarity about the waking life (5) clarity of perception (6) clarity about the meaning of the dream (7) clarity recollecting the dream. Out of these seven, 1-4 are required prerequisites of LD. However, they also state that dream lucidity is a continuum with different degrees of lucidity and cannot be examined as an all-or-nothing phenomenon. There is also brief history where it is mentioned that LD was known since the age of Aristotle, but it was only proven in a sleep laboratory less than 50 years ago through the measurement of rapid-eye-movement (REM) that correspond with dreamed gaze shifts. Afterward, there is a section that discusses the neuroscience behind LD by describing what parts of the brain light up during LD. This is then followed up by a brief mention of the importance of recognizing the differences of LD across cultures and ages, but it is a skill that can be learned. Nightmare treatment is also mentioned and it is mentioned once again how important it is to look into induction techniques to find reliable ones that can aid in frequency and treatment. 

    The latter section discusses the different classifications of induction techniques throughout history. First beginning with two categories; (1) presleep induction (i.e. intentional techniques [reflection of dream awareness, engagement with focused activities] and unintentional considerations [situations during the day, individual propensities] and (2) sleep induction [ divided into two parts; internal and external]. This then became three categories; (1)lucid-awareness training [cultivation of proper waking attitude to promote lucidity], (2) intention and suggestion techniques [triggering of LD through the act of will or suggestion], (3) cue "REM-minding" techniques [the involvement of tactile, auditory, and other external stimuli presented during REM that triggers lucidity]. The paper then states that while these classifications make sense, they will be using an empirically based classification in combination with an extensive systemic review of induction evidence in order to define induction techniques into three broad categories; (1) cognitive techniques, (2) external stimulation, (3) miscellaneous techniques.

 The proceeding sections continue to examine the evidence from previous research and explain the relevance and limitations of each in order to make the statement the review is a new starting point for LD science and has potential in both research and practical application. 

~ Quotes ~

1. "None of inductions techniques were verified to induce dreams reliably, consistently, and with a higher success rate...Most lucid dream induction methods produced only slight effects, although some of the techniques look promising." (1469)

2. " While in most cases lucidity is attained when a dreamer recognizes a prearranged external stimulus as a cue in the dream that he or she is dreaming, in some cases an external cue can trigger lucidity even without being actively recognized by the dreamer..." (1470) 

3. " One of the major issues concerning lucid dream induction research in general is what to define a valid criterion for successful induction." (1472)

~ Value ~