I have been lucid dreaming for years, although it wasn’t till recently that I heard
of anyone else doing this. I also didn’t know that I could actually face fears, and
do whatever I want in lucid dreams until I started reading a book about lucid dreaming
last week. My biggest problem is knowing when I’m asleep and when I’m awake. For
instance, several months ago I had a dream that I had to use the bathroom. I pinched
myself to see if I was awake and it didn’t hurt. (I had only been using the pinch
test as I didn't know of any other tests at that time) I was amazed that it didn’t
hurt, hence I was dreaming, but dutifully sat back on the couch for awhile. Once
again I started for the bathroom, pinched myself and found I was once again dreaming!
Amazing! Finally on the third try I actually woke up. This is just a sample of one
my dreams. What I’d like to know (and I don’t know exactly how to say this) but
have you ever heard of anyone else having trouble in that they dream they are going
to the bathroom but think they are awake? This is not something that I can really
ask other people about, although my husband of course knows about this problem.
I hope you have time to answer this concern of mine. I won’t go into any more detail. : ) Thanks
--Signed Pam
Hi Pam -
Did you know that some lucid dreamers actually set their alarms for
four in the morning — just before the great avalanche of REM sleep is
poised to begin — and drink a tall glass of water so
that they will have the same dream you describe? Believe it or not, it’s actually
one of the most effective techniques for inducing lucid dreams… Here’s why:
If our bladder is full while we are asleep and dreaming, it is common for us to
“incorporate” our need to use the bathroom into the story of our dream.
Accordingly we dream that we are looking for a bathroom,
or even dream of going to the bathroom, and this focus on having to go to the bathroom
is the clue which lucid dreamers
train themselves to recognize as the sign that they are dreaming. You are correct in
suggesting that people occasionally will wet their beds doing this experiment, but usually
what happens is that we dream of going to the bathroom for a long time … but
we don't experience any relief. Or we search and search
for a bathroom in some strange building but never seem able to find it.
Next time you have this dream, and lead yourself through the pinch/awake test, try to enjoy
the fact that you are dreaming for awhile before you awaken yourself physically.
You have succeeded in inducing a lucid dream, and now you will want to explore the dream a bit
while you still are in it. Try not to let the feeling of urgency to use the
bathroom take over all your thought! You can get up in a minute. But for that brief time,
look around, perform experiments, walk through a wall, visit an old friend, say a prayer for
a loved one, visit a beautiful ocean, or ask for guidance on a problem you need to solve.
Sweet dreams! We look forward to hearing back from you!
 
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