Strategies for achieving high-level control in lucid dreams
Alexandre Lemyre, M.A., Ph.D.
The content of this article was last updated on February 1, 2022.
Introduction
In 2016-2017, I have mentored a team of students who were in their third year of a bachelor’s degree in psychology. We conducted a study on lucid dream control strategies. We recruited 107 lucid dreamers (i.e., individuals who experienced at least one lucid dream per year) from two Facebook Groups and one forum on lucid dreaming. They completed an online questionnaire in which they indicated whether they used strategies to exert a “high-level control” in their lucid dreams. We defined “high-level” control as the capacity to produce an outcome in the dream that would be impossible to produce in waking. In total, 45 participants described at least one lucid dream control strategy. We analyzed their answers to identify, categorize, and define the reported strategies. We published the results of this study in a scientific journal (Lemyre et al., 2020). In the present post, I will share with you what I have learned about lucid dream control strategies through conducting this research.
Note: to facilitate reading, “he/him/his” will be used throughout the text when referring to “the dreamer”.
The state of scientific research on lucid dream control strategies
The lucid dream control strategies that are described in this post are mainly based on the results of our own study on high-level control in lucid dreams (Lemyre et al., 2020). To the best of my knowledge, the only two other scientific articles that focus on lucid dream control strategies were published by Paul Tholey (1983, 1988), some 30-40-ish years ago. Tholey (1983) reports lucid dream induction strategies and lucid dream control strategies. According to this author, the reported strategies emerged from “the findings of empirical studies carried out by seven colleagues as subject of their diploma theses, on case studies by a psychotherapist who has used lucid dream techniques in therapy with his patients, and on numerous reports of lucid-dream experiences sent to the author in reply to his publications and a radio broadcast.” (Tholey, 1983, p.79). Tholey (1988) reports the results of experiments in which individuals used specific lucid dream control strategies to deal with threatening characters in their lucid dreams.
Because there is little research available on lucid dream control strategies, I will provide details on the functioning of certain strategies based on my own understanding of lucid dreaming, both as a researcher and as a frequent lucid dreamer.
Strategies used to produce specific outcomes
Changing the dream environment
#1. Using a door
This strategy consists of finding a door and visualizing what one wants to find behind it. As the dreamer opens the door, he might find something similar to what he visualized. The chances of success will likely be higher if the dreamer visualizes something that is related to the current scenery of the dream.
#2. Using a portal
This strategy is similar to “using a door” and might even be more effective. The dreamer has to create the portal, visualize what he wants to find on the other side, then cross the portail. The dreamer might try to use a pencil, a chalk, or even his finger to trace a circle or a square on a wall, which would become the portal.
#3. Using a source of water
In this strategy, a water source in the dream acts as a “portal”. This strategy consists of finding a source of water and diving into it, visualizing where one wants to emerge. If this works, the dreamer will emerge in an environment similar to the one he imagined. Of course, the new environment that is visualized should also contain a water source.
It is interesting to note that all of the above strategies involve a “cut” or a “transition” in the dreamer’s field of vision. Thus, changing the dream environment while looking at it might prove to be difficult. There is an exception, however, which is strategy #4 below.
#4. Dissolving the dream scenery by fixing a point
Fixing a point in a dream for about 10 seconds can potentially dissolve the dream and wake the dreamer up. If the dreamer stops the dissolution process at the right time, he may be able to form a new dream scenery without waking up.
Make a dream object or a dream character appear
#5. Using one’s own pockets
If a person has pockets on their everyday clothes, they will likely have pockets on their dream clothes as well. The dreamer can search in his dream pockets to find a small object that he is thinking about (e.g., a chalk or a pencil to draw a portal on a wall [see strategy #2 above]; gold nuggets to bribe a dream character). Getting a dream wallet out of one’s dream pocket and finding money in it is also possible. I suspect that searching for small objects in a purse, a drawer or another small container could also work.
#6. Grabbing an object outside one’s own field of vision
This strategy is self-explanatory. It consists of imagining an object and reaching outside one’s own field of vision (e.g., behind one’s own back) to grab it.
#7. Calling a dream character that is not already present in the dream
This appears to work better with dream characters that represent people the dreamer knows (or has known) well in waking. The dream character that is called might come to the dreamer, or the dreamer might have to search for the dream character in the environment.
In summary, the dream appears to favor smooth transitions: the dream objects and characters come from where the dreamer cannot see (e.g., his pocket, behind him, or in another location of the dream environment). If that is correct, trying to make an object or a character appear out of thin oneiric air (i.e., by looking at an empty space and trying to make something appear in it) might prove difficult.
Manifesting superpowers in the dream
#8. Imitating or impersonating
In our day and age, we are exposed to works of fiction (sci-fi movies, novels, manga, etc.) in which characters display superhuman powers. Through this exposure, we have formed associations in our memory between the fictional characters, their actions, and the powers they display. Imitating or impersonating a fictional character in a dream might allow to exploit these associations. Put simply, if the dreamer imitates or impersonates a fictional character, he might also be able to display their powers. Impersonating involves suggesting oneself that we are the fictional character, which goes a step beyond imitation. Examples of this strategy would be to move one’s oneiric hands to practice telekinesis (as a Jedi in Star Wars), or to use a formula to cast a spell (as a wizard in Harry Potter).
#9. Using a magical dream object
Because of our exposure to works of fiction, some objects are associated with magical powers in your memory. Using these objects in the dream might allow to exploit these associations. Examples of such objects would be a carpet or an umbrella to fly (as in the movies Aladdin and Merry Poppin). Using dream potions to which one attributes (magical) properties might work under the same principle.
In summary, the effectiveness of these two strategies (#8 and #9) is likely based on the strength of associations in memory. Thus, the greater the exposure to the fictional character that is imitated/impersonated in the dream, or to the magical object that is used in the dream, the more effective these dream control strategies might be. For instance, impersonating a wizard in a dream might have better chances of working if one has read all the Harry Potter books and watched all the movies. As of now, however, this hypothesis remains untested.
Flying in a dream
#10. Jumping progressively higher
In dreams, it is sometimes possible to jump higher than in real life. The dreamer can try to jump higher and higher until he is able to take off.
#11. Jumping from a tall structure
The higher the dreamer is, the easier it may be to take off.
I personally make reality checks before using a lucid dream control strategy that would be dangerous or lethal in real life. There are many such reality checks. My favorite one is to pinch my nose with my fingers and simultaneously try to breathe through my nose: if it works, I know I’m dreaming.
#12. Using self-suggestion
The dreamer can focus on his dream body and tell himself that he is lighter and lighter, until he is able to levitate and perhaps, fly.
Strategies to produce various outcomes
#13. Asking, suggesting, or ordering dream characters or the dream per se
Some lucid dreamers ask or order dream characters or the dream itself. This can be done to produce a large variety of outcomes. For instance, the dreamer can ask a dream character to guide him toward a specific place that is not already in the dream scenery, ask a magical dream character to grant him superpowers, or ask the dream to meet a specific person. In some cases, suggesting a dream character a role that they must play (e.g., “You are my guide, right?”) may be more effective than simply asking them (e.g., “Are you my guide?”). The dreamer can also ask a question to the dream and observe if the dream changes as a result.
#14. Narrating the present or future
This strategy simply consists of narrating events that are currently happening or that should happen soon. As an example, if the dreamer wishes to meet a particular dream character, he might say “*That person* is around the corner” or “*That person* is behind me”, and then look for the person.
When narrating in the future tense (e.g., “*That person* will walk in”), I personally find it useful to add a temporal element, for instance, “*That person* is about to walk in” or “*That person* will walk in in five seconds.”
#15. Using a command
This strategy consists of choosing a word that is meaningful to oneself and to shout that word in the dream to manifest its meaning. For instance, the dreamer might shout “freeze” or “stop” to immobilize the dream setting or the dream characters, “fire” to throw fire, or “Light!” to make the sun rise. In principle, many other words could be used to produce many other outcomes. One interesting aspects of this strategy is that the dreamer can think of a word on the spot depending on how he wants to influence the dream.
Strategies used to cope with lucid nightmares
Before I present these strategies, it is worth noting that some researchers view nightmares as the manifestation of inner conflicts or fears. According to this view, lucid nightmares would represent opportunities for emotional improvements in waking. Thus, the goal would not only be to get rid of nightmares, but to resolve the nightmares in a constructive way (e.g., Gackenbach & Bosveld, 1989, chapter 5; Tholey, 1988). It is worth noting that this view is mainly speculative since it has not been tested in any methodologically robust study. I personally do not adhere to this view because it is not aligned with my theoretical approach for understanding dreams and nightmares (more on that topic in another post on the theoretical explanations of nightmares)
#16. Dialoguing with a threatening dream character
A dialogue can be initiated with a question, for instance, “who are you?” If the dialogue leads to the topic of an emotional issue, the dreamer can try to explain his perspective to the dream character. If the dream characters make reasonable reproaches or claims about the dreamer, these claims can be acknowledged.
#17. Sending love and compassion to the threatening dream character
In theory, this strategy could be used in combination with “dialoguing,” or as a standalone strategy. It is unclear if a simple switch of attitude is sufficient, or if words (inner words or spoken words) or physical contacts (e.g., giving a hug) in the dream are needed.
For threatening dream characters that trigger fear, I have successfully used the sentence “I forgive you, and I love you” in multiple dreams. For a dream character that is being annoying and/or invading of my personal space, causing frustration/anger, I have successfully used the sentence “I accept you in my life, and I love you.” Some might argue that it is preferable to dialogue with the dream character before using such sentence to understand who/what it represents (if indeed it represents anything meaningful). Again, I do not adhere to the latter view.
Strategies #16 and #17 can potentially eliminate the threatening or otherwise frustrating behaviors of the dream character and/or change its appearance in a positive way.
#18. Fighting the threatening dream character
This strategy might be better used as a “plan B”, if a pacific approach fails. If a dream character is fought and vanquished, the dreamer can offer an opportunity for reconciliation.
#19. Facing the source of fear.
This is a general strategy that can be used in most nightmares whether the source of fear is a dream character or not. For instance, if the dreamer is afraid of a natural disaster (e.g., a tsunami or a tornado) in the dream, he might walk toward it. Facing the source of fear can result in positive changes in the dream.
Voluntarily waking up from a lucid nightmare
This is not a lucid dream control strategy per se, but I expect that many will be curious about it. Fixing a point in a dream for several seconds might result in an awakening (Tholey, 1983). Trying to provoke one’s death in a nightmare in order to wake up has also been reported (Lemyre et al., 2019). Regarding my own experience, in rare instances where I wished to deliberately wake up from a lucid nightmare, I moved my jaw horizontally in the dream (in a continuous motion). This technique sometimes resulted in awakening in a state of sleep paralysis. Moreover, this technique might result in teeth damage, which is a known consequence of nocturnal bruxism (i.e., teeth grinding during sleep). Notwithstanding the technique that is used to wake up from a lucid nightmare, it will fragment sleep, and may impact on the sleep structure in ways that are yet unknown (as pointed out in Lemyre et al., 2019). Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, the risks associated with voluntary awakening from lucid nightmares have not been studied.
Factors influencing the chances of success
In general, the more one is confident in their ability to successfully use a strategy in the dream (i.e., to produce the desired outcome), the greater the probability of success will be. Furthermore, the degree of lucidity might impact on the chances of success. However, it is unclear which strategies are easier or harder to use with a greater degree of lucidity (Lemyre et al., 2020). Furthermore, planning actions in waking and executing them once lucidity is achieved in a dream might increase the chances of producing the desired outcomes (Lemyre et al., 2020; Stumbrys et al., 2014).
Summary and Conclusion
Apart from Tholey’s studies in 1983/1988 and our own study in 2020, no scientific article published in English has focused on lucid dream control strategies. While information on this topic is scarce, these three articles present very interesting findings. Specific lucid dream control strategies might allow to change the dream environment, make a dream object or character appear, acquire superpowers, or fly. There are also strategies that can be used to produce various outcomes in lucid dreams, such as asking or ordering a dream character, narrating the present or future, or using a command. To cope with a threatening character in a lucid nightmare, one might attempt to dialogue with it and/or manifest compassion towards it. In nightmares that do not involve such threatening character, facing the source of fear might be an option. Finally, according to some lucid dreamers, the more confident the dreamer is in his ability to produce a specific outcome, the more effective the strategy will be.
This field of research faces many exciting challenges, including the development of a typology (system of classification) of dream control strategies. There are also important questions pertaining to the safety of lucid dreaming and lucid dream control (Soffer-Dudek, 2020; Vallat & Ruby, 2019), which have traditionally been left to speculations (Sparrow, 2014). For the theoretician in me, the most fascinating aspect of lucid dream control strategies is that they provide access to the hidden mechanisms behind dream production. Dreaming seems to be programed to respond to the dreamer’s actions in specific ways given specific conditions, and studying these responses might teach us how dream production works at a more fundamental level.
References
Gackenbach, J., & Bosveld, J. (1989). Control your dreams: How lucid dreaming can help you uncover your hidden fears & explore the frontiers of human consciousness. Harper & Row.
Lemyre, A., Légaré-Bergeron, L., Bolduc Landry, R., Garon, D., & Vallières, A. (2020). High-level control in lucid dreams. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 40(1), 20-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/0276236620909544
Lemyre, A., St-Onge, M., & Vallières, A. (2019). The perceptions of nightmare sufferers regarding the functions, causes, and consequences of their nightmares, and their coping strategies. International Journal of Dream Research, 35-48. https://doi.org/10.11588/ijodr.2019.2.62396
Soffer-Dudek, N. (2020). Are lucid dreams good for us? Are we asking the right question? A call for caution in lucid dream research. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 13, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.01423
Sparrow, G. S. (2014). A non-dual perspective on the question of dream control. In R. Hurd & K. Bulkeley (Eds.), Lucid dreaming: New perspectives on consciousness in sleep (pp. 325-346). Praeger/ABC-CLIO.
Stumbrys, T., Erlacher, D., Johnson, M., & Schredl, M. (2014). The phenomenology of lucid dreaming: An online survey. The American Journal of Psychology, 127(2), 191-204. https://doi.org/10.5406/amerjpsyc.127.2.0191
Tholey, P. (1983). Techniques for inducing and manipulating lucid dreams. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 57(1), 79-90. https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.1983.57.1.79
Tholey, P. (1988). A model of lucidity training as a means of self-healing and psychological growth. In J. Gackenbach & S. LaBerge (Eds.), Conscious Mind, Sleeping Brain (pp. 263-287). Plenum Press.
Vallat, R., & Ruby, P. M. (2019). Is it a good idea to cultivate lucid dreaming? Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02585
