In the view of medical science, crystal therapy has the dubious honor of being the most unproven of New Age remedies. However, millions of people use crystals to encourage dreams and prevent nightmares despite the lack of evidence that crystals can affect physical changes to the body. The growing cultural significance of crystal therapy in the U.S. and Europe is cause enough to review these claims, as dreaming and nightmare frequency are known by psychologists to be highly influenced by factors such as personal beliefs and cultural practices.
Better Sleep
Many people who have trouble falling asleep simply need to make time for rest and set a regular scheduled bedtime. Known as sleep hygiene, developing a sleep plan also includes incorporating personal relaxation techniques before bed. Because crystals are personal objects with emotional significance, they can ease the passage into sleep for people without sleep disorders through the power of association. Crystals can be worn on the body, placed under a pillow or kept on the bedside table. According to Colleen Simmons, author of "Crystal Vibration Ailments," some popular crystals for helping fall asleep include amethyst, moonstone, lapis lazuli, howlite, sodalite and hematite.
Skeptics have a different view. A 2007 article published in the "Journal for Breast Cancer Research" warns that belief in crystals may actually prevent individuals from seeking medical help, despite the claim that crystal therapy and other unproven treatments are "complementary" therapies. If falling asleep is a persistent issue, and occurs with symptoms like constant daytime tiredness and irritability, seek medical care because an underlying sleep disorder may be present.
Fewer Nightmares
Nightmare reduction strategies often include cognitive behavior training such as recording the dreams in a journal and using relaxation techniques before bed, according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine." While crystals have never been directly studied in association with nightmare frequency, crystals do meet the criteria for relaxation techniques when tied to a personal ritual like affirmations and prayer. Choose a crystal that feels calming, and incorporate it into a bedtime ritual. Some people choose dark crystals to visualize the "absorption" of negative thoughts and feelings. However, if nightmares are persistent and associated with repetitive sleep disturbance, consult a medical provider.
More Lucid Dreams
In lucid dreams, people can realize they are dreaming while still asleep. Stanford psychophysiologist Stephen LaBerge has not only demonstrated the scientific reality of lucid dreaming, but has also shown that lucid dreams can be increased in frequency through cognitive exercises. One such exercise discussed in a 2004 article about lucid dreaming published for Laberge's Lucidity Institute is focusing on "dream signs," which can be any bizarre object seen in dreams that is associated with questioning if the current experience is a dream. Crystals make good dream signs to include in dream "incubations" due to their historical magic associations and beautiful appearance. Again, there is no scientific evidence that the physical properties of crystals increase lucid dreaming, despite claims of electromagnetic effects by crystal therapy enthusiasts.
