| Few experiences are as disorienting—and potentially anxiety-inducing—as finding ourselves in an unfamiliar place. It’s a feeling we often have in dreams when we find ourselves in strange surroundings with no idea how we got there or what to do next. While the dreamer is typically passive in such dreams, recent research has shown that it’s possible to take a more proactive approach and actually influence the dream environment. In one study, participants were asked to imagine themselves in an unfamiliar place and then try to change the dreamscape in some way, such as making it brighter or adding a door. As a result, it is possible to change the dream environment, but the level of control varies from person to person. Some people were able to change the dreamscape quite easily, while others found it more difficult. Interestingly, the level of control didn’t seem to be related to how often the participants reported having nightmares. This suggests that even people who regularly have nightmares can learn to exert some degree of control over their dreams. Finally, If you find yourself in an unfamiliar place in a dream, try taking a proactive approach and see if you can influence the dreamscape. With practice, you may be able to exert more control over your dreams and reduce the frequency of nightmares. |
