Reflective-intention techniques, also known as the Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming (MILD) require you to think about the kinds of things you dream about, or the typical features of your dreams, before you go to bed. This helps you recognize them while you are dreaming. Before you go to bed, consider what your dreams are like. Notable features of dreams may include things such as:  Fantastic imagery Unusual locations Seeing individuals you recognize Illogical actions Wish fulfillment If you believe you can be aware of your dreams while you are having them, and remember them upon waking, then you are more likely to actually do so. Before going to sleep, tell yourself something like “I’m going to have some really interesting dreams tonight. I can’t wait to enter one and see where it takes me.” Preliminary research suggests that vitamin B6 can increase the vividness and memorability of your dreams. Vitamin B6 supplements are readily available at pharmacies and other stores. Consider taking one before you sleep as an aid for lucid dreaming. You can also increase your intake of vitamin B6 by eating more of certain foods, including:  Avocados Bananas Beans Meat (beef, pork, and poultry) Nuts Whole grains Fortified breads and cereals Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the body and synthetically in laboratories. It helps regulate sleep cycles, in addition to other uses. Research shows that melatonin can increase the vividness and bizarreness of dreams. This may increase the likelihood that you will be aware of your dreams as you have them, and so you may want to take melatonin before attempting to dream lucidly.  Melatonin is available in pill and other forms. Look for it at a pharmacy. Taking melatonin can lead to side effects or negative interactions with other medications you may be taking. Talk with a doctor before taking melatonin. This substance (5-Hydroxotryptophan) is derived from another substance, L-Tryptophan, and is also produced from the seeds of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia). 5-HTP is used to treat insomnia and other conditions, and some believe that it can help users achieve lucid dreams.  5-HTP is available in pill form from pharmacies (over-the-counter). 5-HTP can cause side effects such as nausea and muscle problems. In addition, it can have negative interactions with a variety of other medications, such as anti-depressants. Talk with a doctor before taking 5-HTP. Often prescribed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, galantamine helps produce substances that increase brain function and memory. Some research shows that it can cause vivid dreams, and so you may want to take galantamine in order to increase the likelihood that you will have lucid dreams.  Galantamine is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. Look for it at a pharmacy. Taking galantamine can produce side effects such as an upset stomach. Talk with a doctor before taking galantamine. Since it can increase the vividness of dreams, nightmares can also be a side effect of galantamine.

Summary:
Focus on what your dreams are like. Tell yourself you will have interesting, memorable dreams. Increase your intake of vitamin B6. Take melatonin. Take 5-HTP. Take galantamine.