Reality checks
Popular, but without a clear effect in studies.
With reality checks, you check again and again during the day whether you’re dreaming, for example by looking at your hands. The idea: the habit carries over into your dreams.
Several studies over two to four weeks found no effect. In the large field study, reality checks brought no advantage even in addition to MILD.
Studies
- Aspy 2020: International Lucid Dream Induction Study
- Schredl 2025: Four-week diary study
- Dyck, Schredl & Kühnel 2017: Three cognitive methods
This article summarizes studies in plain language. It is not medical advice. Health notice
