On the other side, dispositional mindfulness, a concept inspired by Buddhist traditions, has been found to reduce stress 4, 5, improve sleep 6 and promote mental well-being 7, 8. Nightmares, defined as very disturbing dreams that awaken the sleeper (according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 1, are closely associated with stress and ill-being 2, 3. This association remains open for experimental manipulation, the result of which could have clinical implications. The present findings support the notion that wakeful mindfulness is associated with the quality of dreams and extend previous research by suggesting a disentangled role of the two facets of mindfulness in dream variation. Finally, in Study 2, which consisted of frequent lucid dreamers, a positive correlation between lucid dreaming frequency and mindfulness was apparent. Across studies, nightmare-related variables showed a more robust association with mindful acceptance as opposed to mindful presence. Moreover, individuals with high levels of meditation expertise and practice of lucid dreaming induction techniques reported lower nightmare frequency. Study 1 (Nā=ā338) consisted of a low percentage of frequent lucid dreamers whereas Study 2 (Nā=ā187) consisted primarily of frequent lucid dreamers that used lucid dream induction training techniques and meditation. Here, we present the findings of two studies exploring the relation of nightmare frequency and distress with two components of mindfulness, termed presence and acceptance, as well as lucid dreaming. A theoretical and empirical association between lucid dreaming and mindfulness, as well as lucid dreaming and nightmares has previously been observed however, the relationship between nightmares and mindfulness has received surprisingly little attention.
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