EP452: Lucid Dreaming for Mental Health: Techniques and Benefits

E452 · Physician's Guide to Doctoring with Bradley B. Block, MD

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What if you could control your dreams? In this episode, Dr. Bradley Block sits down with Dr. Kristen LaMarca to explore the world of lucid dreaming where you recognize you’re dreaming and take the reins. Dr. LaMarca shares her personal journey with lucid dreaming, from overcoming sleep paralysis to using it as a creative tool, and explains how it can transform mental health. They discuss practical techniques to induce lucid dreams, the science behind its benefits (like treating nightmares and boosting creativity), and common myths—like the idea that it ruins sleep quality. With actionable tips and real-world applications, this episode is a must-listen for physicians looking to enhance their own well-being or help patients tackle sleep-related challenges.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

Start with Dream Recall: Keep a dream journal or voice memo right after waking to improve memory of your dreams—step one to becoming lucid.
Spot Dream Signs: Look for recurring, impossible, or improbable elements in your dreams (like driving from the backseat) and rehearse recognizing them to trigger lucidity.
Stabilize the Dream: If you become lucid but start waking up, stay calm, rub your hands, or spin your dream body to stay in the dream state longer.

About the show:

The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest:

Dr. Kristen LaMarca, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine expert, specializing in applied psychophysiology. With a BA from Marquette University and advanced degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, she’s a published author and scientific reviewer. She excels with complex cases because she is known for creative interventions, empathy, and evidence-based therapies like CBT and mindfulness.

Website: https://www.luciditysleeppsych.com/kristen-lamarca-phd
mindfulluciddreaming.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulluciddreaming/?hl=en

About the Host:

Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.

Want to be a guest?

Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com (mailto:brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com) or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!

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