Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Lucid Dreaming: A Potential Treatment Approach for Generalized Anxiety and Phobias

We have all experienced at one time or other a lucid dream, which is a state in which the dreamer is conscious that he/she is dreaming. In certain cases the lucid dreamer can even alter the course of the dream. 

Dreams have always intrigued researchers wanting to understand their function and mechanism, but for a long time lucid dreaming has been shunned because it was still elusive, if not unbelievable. It was the discovery of unique brain waves that draw more attention to it. Indeed, it was found that parts of the cerebral cortex ( the frontal part of the brain responsible for concentration and judgment) were active during that state while usually silent during regular dreaming (REM Sleep).

Recently, lucid dreaming has been considered as a potential treatment option for Generalized Anxiety and Specific Phobias, as the dream state is believed to provide a safe environment where the individual can confront his/her anxieties. The dreamer could thus manipulate his/her dreams to act out his/her fears while being in a relaxed state.However, there is nothing conclusive yet as more research is needed to clarify certain aspects that remain unclear, such as how to train someone to "lucid dream"...

Check out more info on lucid dream.

Living with Anxiety

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