Supplementation [Lucid Dreaming Series (5/6)]

The following article is the fifth one from the "Lucid Dreaming Series" ( https://www.patreon.com/BinauralNutrition?filters[tag]=lucid%20dreaming%20series ). If you have not previously read (at least) the first and the second article, then I encourage you to start reading from them before continuing.

If you've already learned to meditate and recall your dreams, created your dream journal, and chosen a method to induce a lucid dream (best if it worked more than once), then it will be the best time to consider supplementation. I do not recommend trying any of these supplements before achieving your first LD as it will make you heavily dependent on them. However, if you are still not dreaming lucidly after a long period of conscientious training, you can support your training with one of the basic supplements.

These easily accessible compounds are known to promote vivid and memorable dreams, which can make it easier to achieve a state of lucidity while you're asleep. In this article, I did not list any controlled drugs and exclusively focused on the influence on sleep, dreaming, and lucid dreaming, mentioning only some of their benefits. Each can be discussed in a separate, long article.

VITAMIN B6 - found in meat and almost every kind of starchy vegetable. The best form of vitamin B6 will be Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate (P-5-P), as it has metabolic properties (i.a., absorption rate) that other forms can not provide. Therefore, if you are looking for a B6 supplement, get it in P5P form.

+ Supplementation just before bedtime makes your dreams much more vivid and realistic, helping you to recall them and achieve LD through a reality check.

dosage: 25-150mg

MELATONIN - a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland and then released into the bloodstream. The brain produces it in response to darkness. Its release determines the circadian rhythm and allows us to fall asleep.

+ Taking melatonin an hour before sleep will enable you to fall asleep faster, regulate circadian rhythm (especially if you're highly exposed to blue light before sleep), and significantly improve dream clarity.

- Should not be supplemented if you do not have problems falling asleep. In that case, it will make you sleepy in the morning and downregulate circadian rhythm.

dosage: 1-6mg

GALANTAMINE - an alkaloid that was isolated from the plant Galanthus woronowi and Galanthus caucasicus. It is a selective and rapidly-reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme. The activity of the cholinesterase enzyme leads to the catalysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) into choline and acetic acid. To simplify - it increases ACh release.

+ Galantamine is a strong LD-inducer. It positively influences the dream clarity in all aspects. According to studies, it increases the occurrence of spontaneous lucid dreams by 30%.

- It should not be supplemented if you have problems falling asleep, as it exhibits stimulating potential (depending on genetic predisposition related to the acetylcholine pathway). 
- If you are taking SSRIs, you should also pass on this compound.

dosage: 5-15mg (best taken in the night, preceded by WBTB method)

ALPHA GPC - L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is the best form of choline (highest bioavailability), well-known for its nootropic properties. It increases the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain. Although Alpha GPC is the best choice, you can also try other sources of choline such as Citociline.

+ Will make it much easier to achieve full lucidity while dreaming and to "remember" to complete a reality test while dreaming. Regular dreams will become more complex and interesting.

dosage: 250-500mg right before bedtime.

ILEX GUAYUSA - species of tree of the holly genus, which may be mostly found in the Amazon Rainforest. It is a cousin of yerba mate. It has very characteristic stimulating properties - a strongly awakened mind and a slightly stimulated body.

+ Makes it easier to find out that you are dreaming and helps to induce LD, followed by the WILD method (+ WBTB). It makes normal dreams very realistic and easily leads to hypnagogic hallucinations.

- Due to its stimulating effect, it may make it difficult to fall asleep

dosage: difficult to estimate as it depends on the form, its quality, and dryness

SILENE CAPENSIS (known as African dream root) - is derived from a plant that may be found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It has solid dream-enhancing properties induced by triterpenoid saponins of triterpenes (naturally occurring surface-active glycosides). Commonly used in shamanic rituals.

+ Regular dreams become very realistic and memorable. It may easily lead to hypnagogic hallucinations, induce spontaneous LD, and keep you fully conscious while falling asleep.

- It may take several days of use before full effect.

dosage: difficult to estimate as it depends on the form, its quality, and dryness