'Like writing and directing your own movie': Live Science readers share whether they'd learn to lucid dream if they could

Lucid dreaming is a phenomenon where dreamers become aware they are in a dream while it's occurring, and some can even control its content. Recently, researchers suggested that people could learn to lucid dream through meditation and virtual-reality exercises while awake. Live Science asked its readers if they'd be interested in learning to lucid dream, and 77% responded that they would.

17% of respondents said they lucid dream enough without training, while 3% disagreed with the idea and 3% were uncertain. In comments, one reader described experimenting with hypnagogic napping, a technique once used by Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí. They claimed that this method led them to spontaneous lucid dreams, describing the experiences as profoundly impactful.

Another reader mentioned lucid dreams about once or twice a year, often involving deceased loved ones. They found these dreams deeply moving and emotionally impactful. In response to the idea of training for lucid dreaming, some readers stated they already practiced or controlled their dreams frequently, while others found lucid dreams to be boring or repetitive.