Lucid dreaming: an age-dependent brain dissociation

J Sleep Res. 2012 Dec;21(6):634-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2869.2012.01022.x. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

The current study focused on the distribution of lucid dreams in school children and young adults. The survey was conducted on a large sample of students aged 6-19 years. Questions distinguished between past and current experience with lucid dreams. Results suggest that lucid dreaming is quite pronounced in young children, its incidence rate drops at about age 16 years. Increased lucidity was found in those attending higher level compared with lower level schools. Taking methodological issues into account, we feel confident to propose a link between the natural occurrence of lucid dreaming and brain maturation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Child
  • Dreams / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Mental Recall / physiology*
  • Sleep, REM / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult