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Reality checks

Popular, but without a clear effect in studies.

FinallyLucid Team

Probably not effective2 min read

A hand reaches into a dreamlike room of violet light, its fingertips dissolving into a glow.

With reality checks, you check again and again during the day whether you’re dreaming, for example by looking at your hands. The idea: the habit carries over into your dreams.

Several studies over two to four weeks found no effect. In the large field study, reality checks brought no advantage even in addition to MILD.

Written by

FinallyLucid Team

Research and editing

We are the team behind the FinallyLucid app. For every article we read the studies on the topic and link them below. We say how strong the evidence is, and we review our articles regularly.

Sources

  1. Aspy 2020: International Lucid Dream Induction Study
  2. Schredl 2025: Four-week diary study
  3. Dyck, Schredl & Kühnel 2017: Three cognitive methods

This article summarizes studies in plain language. It is not medical advice. Health notice