1. University of Puerto Rico
Biology Department
Cayey, Puerto Rico
A Study of Lucid Dreams:
The Effects on the Depressive Mind
Juan Enrique Maldonado Weng
Biology Laboratory 3009
Prof. E. Llera Santos
RISE- Summer Bridge

2. Abstract Introduction
In this experiment, a number of Lucid dreams has been an
people suffering depression will be used incredibly large field of study with many
to find a way to treat their conditions. questions still left unanswered. Having
The experimental treatment consists of lucidity in dreams is having a strong
utilizing lucid dreams. There is an control over how a dream would
established relationship between the progress. The challenge of experiencing
depressive state of mind and a this type of dream state is the fact of
recurrence of nightmares. Since the consciously realizing that one is in a
ability of obtaining lucidity gives the sleep paralysis, which tends to happen
patient the ability to change the course during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
of the dream, the patient should be able stage of sleep. To explore these newly
to alter the nightmare into a more created worlds is an opportunity to
peaceful dream. Once being able to explore one's thoughts, one's imagination
reach lucidity in their dream state, the and, even, one's own sub-conscious.
expected outcome is that those suffering With this opportunity, many will be able
depression will be able to obtain better to encounter their inner most fear, and
sleeping patterns and, as a result, treat with this encounter, be able to overcome
their own depression. The subjects will their own oppressive fear. Many could
be taught the effective methods of use this way of dreaming to understand
reaching lucidity and will be using the themselves better to then improve.
methods for a period of three months. Incredible amounts of opportunities can
Any behavioral changes will be noted arise from sleeping and achieving
and compared. After the three months, lucidity.
the subjects will be evaluated for any Hypothesis
improvements in terms of sleep, Since there is a connection
behavior, and mood. The expected between depression and wellness of
results would be an improvement in the sleep, a possibility arises for many. By
patients behavioral patterns, and a improving sleep, patients will be able to
continuation of studies into this field of treat themselves of their depressive state.
treatment. While being able to control their dreams,

3. patients will be capable to alter their on lucidity or effects differently on the
dreams, resulting in better sleep and patients. The group C will rely on anti-
improving changes in mood during the depressants as a treatment and will act as
day. Lucid dreaming is an effective way a control group. The group D will be
of improving the behavior of patients testing if lucid dreams can have positive
that are suffering from depressive effects even without signs of depression.
symptoms. The subjects will be studied for a
Methodology period of three months. The reason for
For this experiment, twenty-four this amount of time is the probability of
subjects will be utilized. These subjects a lucid dream occurring. A better range
will require to be at their mid-twenties. can compensate for the probability of
Half of all the subjects will be comprised having low amounts of occurrences.
by men and the other, by women. Diagnosed Receive Lucidity Maintain regular
Eighteen of the twenty-four must be Groups with MDD Training Medication
diagnosed Major Depressive Disorder A Yes Yes No
B Yes Yes Yes
(MDD) and it's symptoms. These
C Yes No Yes
requirements are necessary because a
D No Yes No
majority of the severe cases of MDD
The methods that are going to be
occur for people between the ages of
utilized and taught to the subjects are the
twenty to thirty.
"MILD" technique and the "Early
The acquirement of the subjects
Morning Nap" Technique. The
will be under their own consent, as long
Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams
as they are able to make their own
(MILD) utilizes memory to help the
choices.
subject realize he or she is in a dream,
These subjects will be divided
making the event a lucid dream. The
into four groups, all comprised of six
MILD technique helps with the
members. The group A will test to see if
recognitive functions. The other
with lucid dreaming can they treat their
technique, the "Early Morning Nap",
depression without help of their anti-
helps the subject have more dreams,
depressants. The group B will test to see
therefore giving more chances for the
if anti-depressants will have any effect
subject to achieve lucidity. This

4. technique makes the subject wake up mood and behavior has been improved
sixty minutes earlier than usual and or worsen.
makes them wakeful, then makes them Conclusion
take a morning nap. This compels the In the end of the experiment, the
brain to become lucid in dreams. expected findings would prove to find a
After training the subjects to better way to treat depression and to help
achieve lucidity, they will be tested for those who suffer from it. The study of
lucidity with EEG's and MRI's. The dreams is a very big field with limitless
brainwaves should show a sense of possibilities on what can be achieved
movement even when asleep. with them. Dreams should gather
After each patient is positive for broader attention from researchers to
being able to reach lucidity, each patient expand the knowledge of what is known.
will be sent home with enough copies of More experiments should be conducted
a form called "Dream Log". The form to see if it has more health benefits.
they will be filling out each morning, As the late great musician, John
after each morning nap, will record the Lennon, famously sang: "You may
data of the patient's dream patterns. The say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only
form also asks about the mood that the one." We all have dreams, so let's
subject had during the day, but this is to explore them!
be answered during the end of the
patient's day. The subjects will be sent
home during the length of study because
to be proven useful, the subject must
have their regular routine and normal
surroundings.
After the three months, subjects
will be called in to see how they have
progressed. The "Dream logs" will be
collected and analyzed. The data will be
compared between all the groups. The
patients will be evaluated to see if their

5. References:
Hollon,S., Micheal E. Thase, and John C. Markowitz. 2002. Treatment and Prevention of
Depression. Vol.3, No.2. Page 68
Armenian Medical Network. Major Depressive Disorder
http://www.health.am/psy/major-depressive-disorder/#ixzz1zzw420QK
Planck Gesellschaft, M. Scientists measure dream content for the first time: Dreams
activate the brain in a similar way to real actions. ScienceDaily. 2011.
http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/10/111028113626.htm
LaBerge, S. & Levitan, L. 2004. Lucid Dreaming FAQ. Version 2.3,2003
http://lucidity.com/LucidDreamingFAQ.html
LaBerge, S., Lucid Dreams. 2000. Pages 3-11
Bernert, R., Thomas E. Joiner Jr, Kelly C. Cukrowicz, Norman B. Schmidt, and Barry
Krakow. 2005 Suicidality and Sleep Disturbances. Vol. 28, No. 9. Pages 1135-1140.
http://www.journalsleep.org/Articles/280917.pdf
Spoormaker, V., and Jan van den Bout. 2005. Lucid Dreaming Treatment for
Nightmares: A Pilot-Study. Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University.
Page 152-154. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17053341
Susan Blackmore. Conversations on Consciousness. Oxford University. Interview with
Stephen LaBerge. Pages 137-148.

6. Attachments
HOJA DE CONSENTIMIENTO INFORMADO
A Study of Lucid Dreams:
The Effect on the Depressive Mind
Descripción
Usted está invitado a participar en un proyecto de investigación sobre los efectos de sueños lucidos en los
pacientes de depression. Este proyecto es realizado por Juan Enrique Maldonado Weng, P.I.
El propósito de este estudio es encontrar un mejor tratamiento para la depression.
Como parte de la investigación se le requerirá participar en un entrenamiento para obtener sueños lucidos y
llenar un formulario ("Dream Log") cada dia para tres meses.
El participar en este estudio le tomará aproximadamente tres meses.
Riesgos y beneficios
Los riesgos asociados con este estudio son el desuso del medicamento recetado y quiza sufrir de algunas
sintomas del depression. El beneficio esperado de esta investigación es poder utilizar los suenos como un medio de
tratar las sintomas.
Derechos
Si ha leído este documento y ha decidido participar, por favor entienda que su participación es voluntaria y
que usted tiene derecho a abstenerse de participar o retirarse del estudio en cualquier momento, sin ninguna penalidad.
También tiene el derecho a no contestar alguna pregunta en particular. También tiene derecho a recibir una copia de
este documento.
Confidencialidad
Se mantendrá confidencialidad con su participación al completar este cuestionario. Toda la información
permanecerá almacenada por un promedio de tres años en la universidad de Puerto Rico, recinto de Cayey. Luego de
estos tres años estos documentos serán destruidos con una trituradora de papel.
Si tiene alguna pregunta o queja, por favor comuníquese con Juan Enrique Maldonado Weng al 787-555-
4038 o con el Dr. Wilfredo Resto, Coordinador IRB, Teléfono 787-738-2161, Ext. 2706 ó 2578. En caso de
emergencias debe llamar al 787-555-4038
___________________________ ___________________________ _________________
Nombre del participante Firma Fecha
He discutido el contenido de esta Hoja de Consentimiento con el arriba firmante. Le he explicado los riegos y
beneficios del estudio.
___________________________ __________________________ _________________
Nombre del investigador Firma Fecha
o persona designada
La Carta Circular 5-2001-2002 del Departamento de Educación, inciso d, y la Recomendación de la División Legal del
Departamento de Educación del 7 de noviembre de 2005, nos requiere incluir la siguiente cláusula: Se releva al Departamento d e
Educación de toda responsabilidad por cualquier reclamación que pueda surgir como consecuencia de las activid ades del estudio y
de la información que se solicite y provea a través de las mismas.