Flying is one of the frequent hobbies of lucid dreamers. Engagement in this activity seems to be motivated by pure pleasure—the opportunity to experience something that is not available in real life. Scientists from Canada—Picard-Deland, Allaire and Nielsen—have suggested, however, that this pleasant experience coincides with a useful one, and lucid dream (LD) practitioners can gain physical benefits from their hobby, for example, in the form of a more developed vestibular apparatus.
The researchers recruited 131 volunteers who filled out a dream log, noting the level of awareness and control, as well as gravity sensations (flying, falling). Then, they performed various vestibular exercises on a sensitive force plate: standing on one or both feet, with eyes open or closed.
The results of the experiment confirm the contribution of LD practice to the development of the vestibular system. At the same time, flying turned out to be the best training for men, while for women it was increased level of control in a dream. The authors point out, however, that these conclusions may be influenced by the difference in height in men and women.
As the researchers add, the vestibular system is the basis of bodily self-consciousness: the ability to control your own body and be aware of its position in space. Whether we train it in reality or in a dream, the results are the same.
Have you noticed any positive changes in your vestibular apparatus after starting LD practice?
The article was published in May 2022 in the journal Sleep.
