You’d be better off reading about narcolepsy, cataplexy, hypnogogia, REM sleep, sleep paralysis etc.
Most of these build up because of sleep deprivation in individuals who are not involved with the abuse of substances. People who do abuse substances however, usually have higher chances of developing one or more of such syndromes.
Oh btw, the term “Lucid dreams” and the article related to it on Wiki presents it in a manner that makes it seem cool or “dreamy” even when it’s actually not.
It’s when the body sleeps but the mind stays awake and keeps tiring and misses out on REM sleep during the sleep cycle that one experiences vivid hallucinogenic dreams. And 9 times out of 10 they are freaking nightmares. And they really freak one out because at that moment, the individual is aware of his being and state and sleep paralysis added to this is even scarier. It’s not a good feeling by any measure even when you have a slightly pleasant hallucination.
I know because I’ve had these “vivid” visions several times. In fact, this morning I woke up from one. I was running from something and trying to fight something but I couldn’t lift my arms or shout in rage and fear and that my friend, is a freaking shifty experience really.
The following day is usually ruined wholly. Because your brain is still hell tired from all the “hyperdriven” experience.
The REM sleep is when the brain accumulates the data from the experiences of the past day and refreshes itself. If you miss out on that stage, you’re in for a ride and the next day you can experience anything from just drowsiness to blackouts and muscular weakness.
