Wake Back to Bed Method

For starters,  you should be  journaling your dreams. Keeping a dream journal is a key step in not only having vivid dreams and remembering your dreams more often,  but also in achieving lucidity.  Meditation prior to going to sleep or during the day (even as little as 10 minutes) is also  a practice that will help you achieve lucid dreams.

There are dozens of techniques that may help you achieve lucidity. I will cover them within the coming weeks.  Today we look at the Wake Back to Bed method (also referred to as WBTB).

This method is best for people who wake up in the middle of the night or want to improve other techniques.  If you have trouble going back to sleep once you wake up, this method may not be for you.  WBTB is a simple and reliable technique that may easily be combined with other techniques, so I figured it would be a good one to start with. Many people have great success combining this with the MILD technique which I will discuss in my next post.  

What is WBTB? 

1. After sleeping for 4-6 hours (this number depends on how long you normally sleep) wake up, get out of bed or sit up and stay up for at least 20 minutes but no more than an hour.   
2. The best thing to do is pick up a book on lucid dreaming, read over old dreams that you have recorded (on paper not computer) or meditate. Try to keep the lights as dim as possible.  It's best not to over stimlate yourself. You want to be awake, but still relatively groggy.  Do not exercise, eat or drink (other than water).  Certain supplements are ok to take at this time which I will discuss in future posts. Do not get on the computer or anything electronic. 
3. Finally, go back to sleep. 

If after trying this technique several times you feel you may be sleeping too deeply for it to work, try changing your sleeping location after you wake up.  You could try another bed, the couch or even the floor. Or,  try sleeping with a lighter blanket or changing direction in your bed (eg. swapping head and feet).  The idea is to have a lighter more conscious sleep. 

If you have trouble getting yourself up at that 4-6 hour mark, there are a few things you can try.  Place a colorful piece of paper on the wall or ceiling for visual stimulation, have a light under your bed or use an alarm clock (but not one that is super "alarming"). 

I would love to hear how this method has worked for you. Please comment below and share your experience(s).