Researchers have repeatedly hypothesized that false awakenings accompany lucid dreams. However, up until recently, there was no scientific evidence to support this hypothesis. In 2019, the journal Dreaming published an article by G. Buzzi, presenting evidence from past research that had not been reported.
A previously published online survey of over 90 lucid dreaming practitioners found a correlation between the frequency of false awakenings and lucid dreams. Of the participants, 62% reported frequent transitions from one state to another.
According to the author, these data may indicate that both phenomena have the same neurophysiological basis. In November 2020, the Phase Research Center published a study of approximately 1000 participants examining the relationship between these phenomena, combined into one term – phase states.
During false awakenings, the sleeper often tends to make judgments about his condition through reality checks. Accordingly, these states are habitually completed with a transition to lucid dreams. According to G. Buzzi, this method is used by 76% of respondents, and much more often than other reality check practices.
The study was published in 2019 in the Dreaming journal.
