What if your dreams were a playground? Every night, your mind escapes into a world you can’t control… or can you? One question fascinates more and more people: can we actually choose what we dream before falling asleep? Spoiler: science says yes—but not just any way.
Why Do We Want to Control Our Dreams?
The desire to control dreams is nothing new. For centuries, mystics, shamans, and artists have used dreams to explore their subconscious, receive messages, or even find inspiration. Today, motivations are broader:
- Escaping into imaginary worlds
- Reuniting with lost loved ones
- Exploring desires without consequence
- Soothing nightmares or trauma
- Boosting creativity or memory
But is it really possible?
The Brain at Night: Between Chaos and Magic
During sleep, our brain goes through several phases, including REM sleep—the stage where the most vivid dreams occur. Brain activity during REM is almost identical to that of wakefulness, except the body is paralyzed.
Numerous studies show that we can influence what appears in our dreams, especially if we do so right before falling asleep.
Techniques to Steer Your Dreams
Here are the most effective methods, backed by sleep researchers and lucid dream practitioners:
Pre-Sleep Visualization
Before bed, imagine a scene you want to dream about. Add as much detail as possible—sounds, colors, sensations. This sends a signal to your subconscious.
Clear Intention
Repeat a phrase like: “Tonight, I will dream of flying over a city.” Mental suggestion reinforces the effect.
Dream Journal
Write down your dreams every morning. This boosts dream recall and gradually increases your control.
MILD Technique (Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams)
Wake up after 5 hours of sleep, stay awake for 5–10 minutes while thinking about what you want to dream, then fall back asleep with that intention.
Sensory Anchors
Use sounds, scents, or images associated with your dream theme. The subconscious is highly responsive to these cues.
Can We Really Control Everything?
No. Dreams are still a semi-automatic creation of the brain. You can influence the setting, theme, and sometimes the action, but rarely everything at 100%. That’s the beauty of dreaming: it’s a co-creation between your conscious and unconscious mind.
In Conclusion
Controlling your dreams isn’t a myth—it’s a skill, like meditation or mindfulness. With practice, you can not only explore incredible dreamscapes but also improve your well-being, creativity, and even mental health.
So tonight, before bed, set a simple intention: “I choose what I will dream.” And let the magic unfold.
