People with frequent lucid dreams are better at cognitive tasks that involve insight, such as problem-solving, when they’re awake, according to a recent study by psychologists at the University of Lincoln in England.
And there may be additional benefits to “lucid dreaming”—the state in which sleeping people are aware that they’re in a dream.
“Other researchers have shown that people who dream of practicing a routine can improve their abilities in that activity in real life,” The Wall Street Journal reported in August. “Early evidence also suggests that lucid dreaming may help improve depressive symptoms and mental health in general, perhaps by giving people a greater sense of self-control.”
Most of us don’t experience lucid dreaming—studies show about 20% of people routinely do—but experts say it can be learned. For tips on lucid dreaming, check out the Journal’s “The benefits of lucid dreaming.”
