Lucid dreaming as an advanced visualization technique for surgical training: A survey of a selection of high achieving surgeons

Abstract

Introduction

 lucid dreaming in surgical education has not been explored in depth, despite scientific knowledge on the principles. Previous surveys have been carried out in the medical field, examining the level of lucidity and its relation with metacognitive beliefs and dream anxiety in medical students. However, very little is known about lucid dreaming of practicing surgeons.

In this study, we therefore attempt to survey the level of lucidity in a select group of highly-achieving surgeons and observe a relationship between their high performance and degree of lucidity.

Methods and results

A survey to assess lucid dreaming potential using the LUCID scale and a questionnaire on general and demographic information was distributed among highly achieving surgeons. Results were compared to the lucid dream scale (a validated tool of assessing lucid dreaming) standard results in the literature. Several aspects which define dream consciousness were assessed including Insight, control, thought, realism, memory, dissociation, negative emotion and positive emotion.

The survey was sent to thirty surgeons, twenty surgeons responded to the survey including 18 males and two females (recall 2/3).  The mean, standard deviations, and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of the LUCID scale sub-scales were calculated.There was no significant difference between surgeons in our group and lucid dreamers results in the validated questionnaire by Voss et al 2013 with regard to insight and thought, realism (p > 0.3) and positive emotion (p>0.06). However, surgeons scored significantly higher with regards to the other aspects such as control (p<0.03), memory (p<0.001), dissociation (p<0.0008), and negative emotion (p<0.0001), as powerful indicators of lucidity.

Conclusion:

The highly achieving surgeons in this survey were shown to exhibit powerful lucid dreaming potentials, which they seem to use to enhance surgical training and preparation. These techniques should be explored for more broad application in surgery. The survey used in our study may be applicable to other specialties as well. Lucid dreaming may enhance medical learning and education. More systematic research on this topic in medicine and surgery should be conducted.