Got evidence? The Real Effect of Milk on Sleep and Dreams

Posted by Ryan Hurd on May 11, 2013  |  9 Comments

Two new milk advertisements by the dairy industry have been making their rounds on American television. Both ads suggest that drinking a glass of milk before bed will prevent awakenings in sleep and give you better dreams. Unfortunately, the evidence for a good night’s sleep thanks to a glass of milk is a little thin.

Or should I say skim?

Don’t Mistake Tactics for Strategy when Learning How to Lucid Dream

Posted by Ryan Hurd on April 27, 2013   |  6 Comments

As a lucid dreaming teacher, I hear from a lot of people who wish they could go lucid more frequently. When I ask what is the plan being using to stir up more lucid dreams, they usually list off a dozen different induction practices.  At this point, I already know the problem: they are mistaking [...]

How to Survive the Corporate Culture of Sleep Deprivation

Posted by Ryan Hurd on April 14, 2013   |  10 Comments

As you may know if you follow this blog, recently I have been working with TEDMED on one of their 20 Great Challenges of Health and Medicine: Waking up to the causes and effects of sleep deprivation. My role has been exploring what we can do as individuals, parents, and educational leaders to help recognize [...]

Are Creative Muses Visiting Us During Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations?

Posted by Ryan Hurd on April 8, 2013   |  6 Comments

Next month, I’ll be giving an invited talk at a dream conference in Weston, Massachusetts.  I’ll be showcasing examples of how people throughout history–and especially today–have used their sleep paralysis-induced hallucinations for creativity.

Sleep is a Luxury We Can All Afford

March 14, 2013   |  10 Comments

It’s easy to feel like sleep is a luxury we can’t afford. And when we do get the rest we need, we can be made to feel lazy or self-indulgent.
This Friday, March 15, is World Sleep Day, and one of its mission is changing the perception that sleep is for the weak. All over the [...]