In the past decade, articles have appeared in the media claiming that the US military has investigated the possibilities of lucid dreaming. The main reported use has been as an alternative treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in soldiers who had experienced the psychological effects of war.
According to researcher Susan Smith in an article published in the journal Transcultural Psychiatry, an inspiration for researching this therapeutic approach can be found in several science fiction films that illustrate this case. Thus, in the “Avatar” movie, the consciousness of a disabled soldier is separated from his crippled body and in “Inception” the heroes can change people’s thoughts by plunging into their dreams.
Based on the sci-fi imagery, the author reflects on the potential use of lucid dreaming in the rehabilitation of soldiers with PTSD. In her paper, Smith emphasizes the benefits of this therapy: it is a drug-free (and therefore inexpensive) treatment that can be applied in a psychotherapeutic setting.
Nevertheless, we are yet to know what conclusions the military has come to with regards to this set of techniques. How do you think they could apply phase states? Are there other areas besides veteran rehabilitation? Share your ideas in the comments.
The study was published in the journal Transcultural Psychiatry in February 2020.
