A review of scientific studies on lucid dreaming has shown that when a person becomes aware they are dreaming, their brain begins to function in a completely different way. Being able to control dream content can help people cope with nightmares and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Are Lucid Dreams?

Lucid dreaming is a state in which a person realizes they are asleep and dreaming. In this state, it becomes possible to control the storyline, characters, and environment of the dream.

Interestingly, the ability to have lucid dreams is a skill that can be developed through certain practices. For example, keeping a dream journal helps people learn to recognize recurring features of their dreams: if you write them down immediately after waking up, your brain becomes better at distinguishing them. Another method is regularly checking reality during the day (such as checking the time twice), which helps build the habit of doing the same while dreaming.

Research Analysis

The review included 38 peer-reviewed studies involving both healthy adults and patients with PTSD, chronic nightmares, and Parkinson's disease. Only studies where lucid dreams were confirmed by objective data—such as specific eye movements or characteristic brainwave patterns on an electroencephalogram—were analyzed.

Interest in lucid dreaming among scientists is growing, but research in this area remains fragmented. To gather all available data on the neurobiology of this unique state of consciousness and its impact on mental health, an international team conducted a comprehensive review of published studies.

Neurobiological Features

Studies show that during lucid dreams, certain areas of the brain become more active, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for planning, decision-making, impulse control, working memory, and concentration. In regular dreams, the prefrontal cortex is usually less active.

Some studies have also found increased gamma activity (around 40 hertz) in the frontal lobes during lucid dreaming. These fast brainwaves are associated with cognitive processes. According to researchers, this activity reflects the sleeper’s awareness that they are dreaming.

Therapeutic Potential

Becoming aware in a dream gives a sense of control, which researchers believe can be used to overcome nightmares and alleviate PTSD symptoms. People who practice lucid dreaming can influence and change the content of their dreams, opening up possibilities for developing therapeutic methods that help break the cycle of recurring traumatic memories. In other words, a person can alter or reinterpret a frightening dream, turning it into something harmless.

Limitations and Future Directions

The authors of the review emphasize that their conclusions are preliminary and do not account for potential risks associated with entering altered states of consciousness. Larger and higher-quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of lucid dream therapy.