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When people learn about lucid dreaming, they are amazed by the idea to control their dreams. They want to experience it tonight, or as soon as possible.
However, the chances of experiencing a lucid dream the first night aren’t that high.
Even though it is possible, most people need more time. So, how long is that?
How long does it take to lucid dream? –
On average, you can have your first lucid dream between 3-21 days.
As it is individual, it depends on how much effort you put, if you perform the right techniques, if you have a healthy and regular sleep schedule, if you are practicing mindfulness, or All Day Awareness, etc.
Let’s take a closer look at some commonly asked questions including:
- How long does it take to fall into a lucid dream? (explained)
- How long does it take to master lucid dreaming?
- What can you do once you master lucid dreaming?
- How do I know if I had a lucid dream?
- Why I can’t lucid dream?
- Why can’t I control my lucid dreams?
- Can everyone have a lucid dream?
- How do I trigger a lucid dream?
- How do I stop lucid dreaming?
- Final thoughts
How long does it take to lucid dream? (explained)
Learning a new skill or hobby takes time. We’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect,” — but exactly how long does it take to develop the skill?
The short answer? It depends.
To give more of a timeline, it can take anywhere from 3 to 21 days to have your first lucid dream. For others, it may take a bit longer – between 2 to 6 weeks.
Factors contributing to learning lucid dreaming include:
- your natural affinity to learning a new skill
- your commitment to lucid dreaming
- whether or not you practice regularly
- even physiological and electrical activities in your brain.
Imagine that you want to learn how to ride a skateboard. Sure, you may learn how to do some easy tricks in the first few days, but you will take you much longer to become good.
Lucid dreaming is similar – it is a skill, after all. Even though it is hard to tell, if you are consistently practicing and being determined, you will be able to become better at it faster.
How long does it take to master lucid dreaming?
Lucid dreaming is different for everyone. Although people often go through a similar pattern, it is hard to guess when someone will master it.
To start lucid dreaming frequently, and multiple times per week, it may take much longer – between 3-6 months, up to a year.
It’s going to take a good amount of work to build up the skill and mindset.
Plus, it is possible that some people won’t be able to fully master it, and control everything in a lucid dream.
What can you do once you master lucid dreaming?
Once you master lucid dreaming, you will be able to lucid dream at will, to do (almost) anything you want, nearly every time you want!
You will be able to do things such as talk with dream characters, create them, communicate with your subconscious, change and create the environment in the dream world, have lucid dream s*x, and much more.
How do I know if I had a lucid dream?
There is a difference between a vivid dream and a lucid dream.
A dream becomes “lucid” when you become fully aware of your surroundings. Sometimes, the self-awareness is combined with dream control, but now always. So, if you are lucid inside the dream, but you have no control over it – it is still a lucid dream.
As long as you know that you are dreaming inside a dream – you are lucid dreaming. Without this sense of awareness, you probably are not experiencing a lucid dream.
Important note:
In Dream Initiated Lucid Dreams, the moment you become lucid is when you suddenly realize you are dreaming.
In Wake Initiated Lucid Dreams, is when you jump right into a dreaming state from a waking state.
Why can’t I lucid dream?
It can be that you don’t know how to start, what to practice first, how to stay consistent, which are the fundamental lucid dream essentials, and why they are so important.
However, the good news is that the odds are in your favor — especially if you are committed to trying.
In this research, the collected data for 50 years found that:
- 55% of individuals have experienced at least one lucid dream before, and 23% of individuals experience lucid dreams once a month or more.
If you’re having trouble with lucid dreaming – keep making an effort! Consistent and sustained practice is vital in developing any new skill.
Why can’t I control my lucid dreams?
As mentioned, lucid dreaming means awareness inside the dream, and it is not always accompanied by cream control.
Every mind is different, so controlling lucid dreams comes easily to some people but poses a challenge for others.
If you’re struggling to control your dream when you are lucid, relax! Dream control might come with time and practice. Your intention matters the most and how much awareness you possess.
Remember that it is possible never to reach full control. And that’s okay, too.
As a start, try to work within the logic of your unconscious mind. Try to change what “makes sense” in the context of the dream. For instance, try changing the scenery when walking through a door.
Can everyone have a lucid dream?
Lucid dreaming specialists believe that anyone who has regular dreams can learn how to lucid dream.
For some, it might come more naturally, and for others, it might be harder. But all in all, it is a matter of bringing waking awareness inside the dream.
Of course, there are exceptions and sporadic cases where a person won’t be able to learn how to lucid dream (such as psychological conditions or disorders).
How do I trigger a lucid dream?
There are a few things you can do throughout your daily life to encourage lucid dreaming at night:
*click on the links below, to read more about each lucid dream trigger/technique*
Keep a dream journal:
Dream journals are the best way to improve your dream recall and to experience intense and vivid dreams.
Keep a notebook beside your bed and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Write your dreams down even if you rise in the middle of the night.
Practice reality checks:
This method encourages your subconscious mind to get used to questioning whether you’re awake or asleep.
Reality checks will help you to improve your awareness, and to recognize when you are dreaming.
ADA & Mindfulness:
ADA or All Day Awareness is a technique that will help you become aware of everything around you. By doing that, you will be able to distinguish the real and the dream world much easier.
WILD:
Wake-Initiated Lucid Dreaming happens when you jump right into a dreaming state from a waking state.
It is a very straightforward technique, and the goal is to ensure that your mind is fully conscious.
DILD:
Dream Initiated Lucid Dreams aim to build self-awareness within the dream state. By doing specific techniques, you will” train” your mind to reach a higher level of awareness, which will lead to a lucid dream.
Consider lucid dream herbs and supplements:
You can use them to get additional help, and some lucid ream supplements, such as Lucidesc, can give you a boost, but remember that they won’t do the job for you, and magically make you lucid dream.
How do I stop lucid dreaming?
Oddly enough, while many people want to learn how to lucid dream, others want to know how to stop lucid dreaming.
Maybe you want to focus your attention on other things or take a break from lucid dreaming.
Whatever is your reason, know that while you can’t stop having dreams, you can distant yourself from lucid dreaming by:
- not thinking and not trying to remember your dreams
- not performing any reality checks
- not doing any other lucid dreaming technique
- not sleeping on your back. If you do it, experiencing a Wake Initiate Lucid Dream (combined with sleep paralysis) is higher. So, to avoid that – try to sleep on your side
Final thoughts
Lucid dreaming is a fantastic skill, and it is worth exploring! The things you need the most are – time to practice, commitment, and determination!
Hi Merlin,
I the last half a year I have had few very vivid dreams that I fly above a surface or another people. They were very pleasant dreams and I felt total liberation because of lack a gravitation.
Are they lucid dreams or something else?
I know from a definition, that a dream is lucid, if you are aware that you are dreaming and you can direct your dream. In my case I was in a “dream reality” but very vivid and pleasant for me. I do Zen meditation and Yoga and maybe these things caused my dreams.
Regards
Robert