Variables Influencing Dream Recall and Lucidity

[pj]

There are a number of threads here that touch on recognizing and trying to isolate variables that influence our sleep and dreams.  This thread is a place to consolidate those possible variables.

"Possible" is a key qualifier here.  We don't really know anything until we find a way to test the theories, but you can test a theory that hasn't been proposed yet.  This thread is the place to propose 'em.

The question before us is simple enough: what factors influence our dreaming, ability to recall dreams and ability to get and remain lucid?

Here are some of the variables that have been discussed:

• Amount of sleep - too much or too little
• Timing for WBTB - trying to wake early in a REM cycle?
• Nutritional variables - vitamin and mineral deficiencies or surpluses
• Emotional and psychological energy levels/fatigue - emotional state
• Physical state - tired/exhausted, exercise, lack of activity
• Level of awareness
• Routines and habits

[Luminous]

Amount of awakenings during the night could also be a factor. It is for me when it comes to dream recall.

[Budster]

The way you wake up: Loud alarms mess up my recall.

~Typed on Wii

[AspirationRealized]

I think its important to mention that REM cycles get longer as they go on... which is why most WBTBs are between five and eight hours, trying to hit it at the beginning of a longer cycle for longer lucid dreams.

[Hazel]

What you have done during the day can also be a key factor.

[iadr]

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep or more is of great help to me in dream recall.

Supplements are also a key in helping me with dream recall, as last night I was having trouble remembering anymore than fragments until I got up after about 6 hours of sleep and took about 6 grams of GABA with a ZMA capsule and a couple of Ginko Biloba, after which I had two very vivid dreams and then an image stream later.

Energy level, especially my sexual energy level seems to be a big key, as if my sexual energy is real high I usually wake up every 2 hours remembering dreams.  Unfortunately lately it has been a bit low and I am having trouble even waking up during the night.

[Kromoh]

Sexual energy is definitely a factor. I'm at an extremely hormonal phase and lol I just have to waste all that sexual tension xD I've noticed doing so completely ruins my recall.

[AspirationRealized]

Sexual energy is definitely a factor. I'm at an extremely hormonal phase and lol I just have to waste all that sexual tension xD I've noticed doing so completely ruins my recall.

If thats the truth, its probably my problem o0

[dallyup52]

One thing that has helped going lucid, OOBE, and recall is if I am a little sick.  The discomfort keeps me from falling to deeply into sleep. 

I used to be so pissed every time my wife would move around thinking that it kept me from my dreaming goals.  Now  I realize that it helps and I welcome her movement and contribution. 

So I guess my recommendation is sleep with some one.  Solves all kinds of problems.

[pj]

Another that came up in a conversation this morning is gender.  At least in terms of naturals, there seems to be a preponderance of females.

We have over 3:1 male to female ratio in membership though, so I don't know if that reflects the interest levels or what - but of the known naturals we have among us one is male and four are female.

[dallyup52]

Another that came up in a conversation this morning is gender.  At least in terms of naturals, there seems to be a preponderance of females.

We have over 3:1 male to female ratio in membership though, so I don't know if that reflects the interest levels or what - but of the known naturals we have among us one is male and four are female.

I am thinking over the people that I have met that were "naturals".  And I must say that most of those are males but maybe the woman I have known weren't as forthcoming speaking to me about it. 

There was a time in my life when I used this "ability" to get laid. Not proud of that now but it is what is true. The ones that were smart might have kept their talents hidden.

I did a workshop here and the only naturals were two men.

[Clairity]

I used to be so pissed every time my wife would move around thinking that it kept me from my dreaming goals.  Now  I realize that it helps and I welcome her movement and contribution. 

So I guess my recommendation is sleep with some one.  Solves all kinds of problems.

Wow.. I never thought of it that way. 

I too used to get pissed off at my husband because occasionally he snores and it would wake me up.  Thanks to your post.. maybe I won't get so bent out of shape next time he wakes me and instead use it as an opportunity to try for a DILD/MILD/WILD. 

[iadr]

I too used to get pissed off at my husband because occasionally he snores and it would wake me up.

I sleep in my own bedroom because my wife is unable to handle any kind of noise at night, and I like sleeping to soft music and nature sounds, in additon to dream recall and lucid suggestions and binaural beats.

So usually the only time my wife disturbs me at night now, other than the occasional times she has asked me to turn my binaural beats down a little, as they seem to carry through the whole house, is when she haunts me in my false awakenings.

But that's good that she does that, because I've now learned to recognize them as false awakenings and become lucid in them.

[pj]

Is the ability to be hypnotized perhaps a factor in dream recall and ability to achieve lucidity?

The thought comes from a discussion about Luminous' method for recalling dreams using self-hypnosis.

[barbizzle]

Is the ability to be hypnotized perhaps a factor in dream recall and ability to achieve lucidity?

The thought comes from a discussion about Luminous' method for recalling dreams using self-hypnosis.

I could see that as a factor. I mean, people who can be hypnotized can have a suggestive mind. In sessance, that is what LDing is all about; Suggesting ourselves to be aware.