A narrative review on the neurobiology of lucid dreaming: mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
Ann Med Surg (Lond) January 21, 2026
Lucid dreaming—being aware of and controlling dreams—shows promise for reducing nightmares and alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, though evidence remains preliminary. Neurobiological mechanisms involve activation of prefrontal and parietal brain areas, increased gamma oscillations, and cholinergic and dopaminergic signaling during REM sleep. Studies using objective verification methods such as eye movements and EEG/fMRI have examined clinical groups including people with PTSD, chronic nightmares, and Parkinson's disease, as well as healthy adults aged 18–45. Developments in portable EEG and virtual reality may refine research, but larger randomized trials with standardized induction techniques are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.