Lucid dreaming hypnosis refers to self-hypnosis techniques used for increasing the chances of experiencing lucidity while dreaming. Self-hypnosis is much like meditation in that induces relaxation responses which help to calm the mind, decrease stress effects and enhance mental focus.
In meditation, repetition of mantras encourages single-pointed focus on intended topics. Mantras are phrases, words or sounds that aid concentration. In self-hypnosis, repetition of positive affirmations is used to train the mind. Repeating selected affirmations during self-hypnosis is called autosuggestion.
Lucid dreaming is self-awareness while in a dream-state. A dreamer is able to recognize that she is dreaming, and then take control over the dream’s course without fully regaining consciousness.
Lucid dreaming is a real phenomenon with clinical validation. It is being explored by researchers for several therapeutic uses – including ending recurring nightmares and improving physical therapy effectiveness.



- Increases acetylcholine activity for vivid dreams
- Promotes REM sleep stage
- Improves memory of dreams
Self-Hypnosis for Lucid Dreaming
Simply stated, self-hypnosis is the process of relaxing the brain. By entering into less stimulated mental states, you may become more open to suggestions than normal.
Self-hypnosis is one productive method for developing self-knowledge and other desired personal attributes. It can be very beneficial for exploring your inner motivations and training your subconscious mind.
Self-hypnosis is unlike when someone gets hypnotized by a stage hypnotist and encouraged to perform bizarre acts. Hypnotizing yourself to encourage lucid dreaming is very different.
Facts about Self-Hypnosis:
During self-hypnosis, you remain conscious and completely aware of your surroundings at all times. You remain in total control over your body, thoughts and actions. It is not possible to get “stuck” in self-hypnotic states.
All people enter into hypnotic states several times each day. We all “zone out” while staring out windows, watching television and/or performing mundane tasks. Each individual has a unique level of how much they allow themselves to remain “zoned”.
Using self-hypnosis to induce lucid dreaming is called HILD (hypnosis induced lucid dreaming). By practicing self-hypnosis, you become more in touch with your inner voice. You become accustomed to working with your inner thoughts, and maintaining awareness of them without disrupting your intended focus points.
When you hypnotize yourself, it is possible to enter into deep trance states. This can cause endorphins to be released; improving mood, contentment and well-being. In this type of trance state, autosuggestions become more powerful.
Using self-hypnosis for lucid dreaming involves repeating autosuggestions that encourage lucidity while dreaming. Self-hypnosis occurs when fully awake, yet can be very beneficial for shaping your capacities for experiencing awareness during sleep.
Self-Hypnosis Techniques for Lucid Dreaming
There are various techniques used to induce relaxed states in self-hypnosis. The following is one method that works well for many people.
- Get comfortable. Find a quiet, peaceful location where you will not be disturbed.
- Sit or lay in a comfortable position.
- Let your eyes relax and naturally close.
- Take deep, slow, controlled breaths.
- Do not try to direct or control your thoughts.
While continuing to breathe slowly and deeply, begin focusing attention to each area of your body, starting at your feet. Flex the muscles in the feet. As you exhale, allow the tension in your feet to exit. Mentally see the tension leaving your feet.
Continue breathing and repeat the process for other body areas: legs, abdomen, arms, chest, back and shoulders.
Spend extra time relieving the tension from your neck, jaw, mouth, nose and eyes. Breathe in and out with intention to relax.
Hypnosis Induced Lucid Dreaming
Once you are relaxed, you can begin to use the following technique to encourage lucid dreaming.
- Imagine yourself at the top of a staircase.
- See the staircase as your consciousness.
- Begin climbing down the steps; one step for each slow, deep breath taken.
- Remain still and allow yourself to drift further into relaxation.
At this point, your mind and body should be relaxed. You are not asleep, but rather in a state of wakefulness from which you remain in conscious control.
This is the time to begin repeating autosuggestions to encourage lucid dreaming later. Some of the autosuggestions you may use include:
- I am a lucid dreamer.
- I have lucid dreams.
- I will know when I am dreaming.
- When I dream, I am aware of it.
- I determine the course of my dreams.
- I am in control when I dream.
When you are ready, allow yourself to slowly and gently return to full wakefulness. Then, go about your day as normal. You can mentally repeat your autosuggestions, anytime and anywhere.
The more you train your brain with self-hypnosis, the more likely you are to experience lucid dreaming.
Conclusions
Clinical research continues on the therapeutic potentials of self-hypnosis and lucid dreaming.
There is no single technique for inducing lucid dreams that demonstrates consistent, reliable efficacy. However, it does seem that experience can improve your ability to enter this state at will while dreaming.
Both of these are skill sets that can be practiced and improved on. Experts in both state that two of the most important requirements for learning are determination and persistence.
By learning how to hypnotize yourself and enter deep states of relaxation, you encourage our brain to be receptive to autosuggestion. Using self-hypnosis for lucid dreaming can help you to realize when you are dreaming without waking up.
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Article last updated on: July 5th, 2018 by Nootriment