A permanent researcher of lucid dreaming from Germany, Michael Schredl, studied the dream diary of a practitioner who had been documenting his dreams for 32 years. The scientist admits that the study of just one individual is too limited to draw definitive conclusions. However, the diary contained over 12,000 dreams—definitely enough material for analysis.
Schredl categorized the dreams into four groups:
1. Ordinary non-lucid dreams.
2. Pre-lucid dreams. In these dreams, the dreamer critically evaluates what is happening and may even ask, “Am I dreaming?” But they do not become lucid.
3. Lucid dreams without the ability to control the plot (for example, changing the setting, flying, or waking up at will).
4. Lucid dreams with the ability to control the plot.
Pre-lucid and lucid dreams were strange and whimsical more often than ordinary dreams, and they involved more positive emotions, erotic scenes, and flying—especially when the dreamer could control the plot. On the other hand, there was more dialogue and communication in ordinary (non-lucid) dreams. Ordinary dreams also contained slightly more aggression, both from the dreamer and from other characters in the dream.
Does your practice confirm this?
The article was published in January 2024 in the International Journal of Dream Research.
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