Ever wonder what lucid dreaming is? The dream world always seemed to be beyond our control. To some extent, it is controllable. If you’re a fan of lucid dreaming like us, you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll explain:
Tryptophan
Chemical name: L-triptofano
How tryptophan helps lucid dreaming
Did you know that an amino acid has a direct impact on sleep patterns? It is the neutral amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. It increases Central Nervous System (CNS) activity and prolongs Rapid Eye Movement (REM). Researchers discovered that patients with depression have reduced levels of tryptophan.
The functions listed below assist in lucid dreaming and dream recall:
- Improves sleep quality
- Release 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), which is converted into the metabolite’s serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are lucid sleep inducers.
- Found in nearly all kinds of protein
- Promotes positive emotions
- Acts as a muscle relaxant
Sources of tryptophan in food and supplements
- Milk
- Codfish
- Banana
- Oats
- Salmon
- Chocolate
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- L-tryptophan supplements
Vitamin B6
Chemical name: pyridoxine
How Vitamin B6 helps lucid dreaming
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. It promotes mental power and increases CNS activity. Dreams can be remembered during REM sleep. So, taking adequate vitamin B6 aids in the release of serotonin. In the beginning, serotonin suppresses REM sleep. Rebound sleep, therefore, happens with an increased dream phase.
In 1981, a theory proposed that vitamin B6 increased the frequency of awakening during sleep. The brain then transforms short-term memory into long-term memory. Our bodies require 1.7g of vitamin B6 to function properly. This can be satisfied by eating a nutritious diet.
Sources of Vitamin B6 in food and supplements
Milk, tuna, fruits (excluding citrus), green vegetables, cereals, chickpeas, and eggs are foods high in vitamin B6.
The fruit mamey sapote has the highest B6 content (0.7 mg)
Dried pasilla peppers (vegetables) have vitamin B6 4.2 mg.
Lucid dreaming needs a high dose of vitamin B6, between 100 and 240 mg. This cannot be satisfied alone by dietary intake. In this case, vitamin B6 tablets can be a good option.
Serotonin
Chemical name: 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)
How Serotonin helps lucid dreaming
Serotonin is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It acts as a messenger between nerve cells in the CNS and throughout the body. Serotonin (happy hormone) is crucial for controlling anxiety and lucid dreaming.
Getting enough serotonin helps you fall asleep easily. It helps to remember your loved ones without straining your brain. It keeps the mind attentive and doesn’t interfere with regular activities. Despite the chemical makeup of the brain, it continues to function throughout sleep and maintains clarity.
Sources of Serotonin in food and supplements
Serotonin is not present naturally in food. Instead, it is produced by our bodies from tryptophan. However, high protein foods that can be a good source.
Role of milk in lucid dreaming
Milk and milk-based products (e.g. cheddar cheese) have a significant impact on sleep. They help make your dreams intense and vivid! While it’s better to drink milk across the day, you can also have a tall glass of milk or oats with little milk, just before you plan to lucid dream.
Drinking a lot can mean you have to wake up during the night. And that can be a great way to help make sure you recall your dreams. At that time, you would be able to recall your dream and boom! You’d have visible dreams.
Foods to avoid as they can impact lucid dreaming
Food can help in suppressing the REM phase. But taking it at the wrong time can vanish its whole benefits. Also, try to have dinner 2-4 hrs. before bedtime.
Some of the food that disturbs and decreases the REM phase:
Foods and lucid dreaming – a snapshot
We can conclude that the nutrients and foods not only aid in lucid dreaming but are also beneficial to healthy and restful sleep. Lucid dreaming helps us recall our dreams. It also boosts our immune and mental health.
