Have you ever had a dream that ‘stayed with you’ all day? How about a dream that led to an “ah-ha!” moment? For better or worse, dreaming can impact our mood, views, and insights. This makes control of the dream state a potentially powerful tool to shape real-world life experiences. Sound interesting? Learn how to control your dreams with any of the best lucid dreaming books reviewed in this article. But first, let’s start with a brief discussion about lucid dreaming.
What Is Lucid Dreaming?
Lucid dreaming is the phenomena of being conscious while dreaming. Explored for centuries, lucid dreaming has been used as a tool to gain greater insight into the self and the nature of the universe (source). This ‘big picture’ experience is a form of metacognition — the practice of actively controlling cognitive processes (source).
By being aware you’re in a dream, you’re able to control many or all aspects of it, which can be both an enjoyable and creative problem-solving experience. But while most lucid dreams are positive in nature, they can also be sometimes frightening. The likelihood of having unpleasant lucid dreams appears to be linked to certain medical conditions like narcolepsy (source).
What Are the Benefits of Using Lucid Dreaming Books?
There are many resources available to learn and share lucid dreams, including both books and videos. There are also products which help induce lucid dreams like eye masks and supplements.
Although videos cover many important topics, externally-generated sound and images may negatively affect the experience for some lucid dreamers (source). The nature of lucid dreaming relies on tuning into the imagination, making books a preferred source for many lucid dreamers.
What Do Lucid Dreaming Books Cover?
Most books on lucid dreaming provide lots of helpful information, including practical tips for learning how to have lucid dreams, common terminology used to describe the lucid dream state, and background information on the history and cultural significance of lucid dreams.
Some lucid dreaming books offer first-hand accounts of authors’ personal experiences and theories. Other books focus more on the science behind lucid dreams and tend to share anecdotal, rather than personal stories.
How to Select a Lucid Dreaming Book
When choosing a book on lucid dreaming, think about which content style best suits you. Are you an analytical, science-minded person interested in the experiment of a lucid dream? Or do you prefer to connect personally with an experienced lucid dreamer and take first-hand advice?
Also, consider your current level of knowledge and experience. If you’re a true beginner with no prior lucid dreaming experience, a general overview with a few practical tips to get you started may be the best way to go. As you become more experienced with lucid dreaming, a more in-depth understanding may be more appropriate.
What Is the Best Way to Use a Lucid Dreaming Book?
Whichever content style you choose, make the most of your lucid dreaming book with these few simple tips:
- Read about lucid dreaming during the day – Give your mind time to mull over the information before applying it at night.
- Skip ahead to the section on tips – You might be surprised at how quickly you can get started!
- Relax and have fun – Pressuring yourself to have a lucid dream only works against the process.
Reviews of the Best Lucid Dreaming Books
Are You Dreaming? Exploring Lucid Dreams
by Daniel Love
Our Rating
This text aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to lucid dreaming. Mr. Love incorporates the latest information gathered from scientific research along with well-established norms and rituals of lucid dreaming.
PROS
- Comprehensive discussion on the science of sleep
- Includes effective tips based on research findings
- Appropriate for both beginner and advanced lucid dreamers
CONS
- Doesn’t present a view on spirituality
- Minimal first-hand accounts
Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming
by Stephen LaBerge, Howard Rheingold
Our Rating
This workbook-style text takes a scientific approach to lucid dreaming based on Dr. LaBerge’s laboratory experiments at Stanford University. The text is intended to provide a practical approach to using lucid dreaming as a problem-solving and confidence-building tool.
PROS
- Techniques with rapid results
- In-depth introduction to lucid dreaming
- Appropriate for beginners
CONS
- Not much content for advanced lucid dreamers
- Not a passive read, due to the number of exercises
Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self
by Robert Waggoner
Our Rating
Waggoner provides a first-hand account of the depths to which lucid dreaming led him to personal discovery. Using a storytelling yet scholarly style, this book highlights the life-changing potential of finding the inner self through lucid dreams.
PROS
- Inspirational, philosophical approach to lucid dreams
- Goes ‘beyond-the-basics’ of the benefits of lucid dreams
- Includes examples from the author’s testing and research
CONS
- Doesn’t incorporate much external scientific research
- Doesn’t include ‘how-to’ tips
- Not appropriate for beginners
Dreaming Yourself Awake
by B. Alan Wallace, Brian Hodel
Our Rating
This book intends to lead the lucid dreamer to profound insight using the methods of Tibetan Buddhist dream yoga. Dr. Wallace is a former Tibetan monk with a scholarly approach to the practical and spiritual benefits of lucid dreaming.
PROS
- In-depth look at the Tibetan Buddhist approach
- Appropriate introduction to this approach for experienced lucid dreamers
- Balances technique and spirituality
CONS
- Too short to really explore all topics in the text
- Challenges some firmly-held beliefs on the nature of reality
- Style of writing may be too scholarly and dense for a casual reader
Lucid Dreaming: A Concise Guide to Awakening in Your Dreams and in Your Life
by Stephen LaBerge
Our Rating
This book is a mini-introductory course on the techniques of lucid dreaming. Dr. LaBerge blends the findings from his research experience with descriptions of lucid dreams and opinions from leaders in the field.
PROS
- Concise ‘how-to’ guide with exercises
- E-book includes companion audio files
- Useful starting tool for beginners
CONS
- Only 75 pages
- Minimal information on applications of lucid dreaming
- Not much modern research included
Conclusion
If you have to choose only one from among the best lucid dreaming books reviewed above, be sure to get Are You Dreaming? Exploring Lucid Dreams by Daniel Love. This book is a comprehensive resource on the science of sleep and lucid dreaming. It includes practical tips for both beginner and advanced lucid dreamers. While it doesn’t explore the spiritual side of lucid dreaming, the author respectfully acknowledges its significance.
Now Over to You!
What have your experiences been with lucid dreaming? Leave your comments below!
