A Peculiar Application Of Dreams

Assumptions:
Lucid dreaming is an art that can be improved with practice and discipline.
Remembering dreams is an art that can be improved with practice as well.

Sleep and dreams have always been among the most spiritual, yet enigmatic subjects studied by humankind, and they have fascinated us since ancient ages. Although throughout history we have performed numerous experiments and suggested countless hypotheses in an effort to debunk the true nature of sleep, the fundamental aspects that give sleep its distinguishing mysteriousness have yet to be understood. However, from what we do know, much can still be accomplished, sans a complete and ultimate understanding. As inductive as this may seem (inductivism is technically not a basis for creating new knowledge, according to Karl Popper), it can perhaps serve as a link to powerful applications.

Though the notion of dreams and sleep has always captivated humanity, it has done so due primarily to our incredibly curious nature. Seldom do we ever consider the practical implications of dreams and the like. The hypothesis at the end of this argument may seem a touch "bizarre," even "far out" if you like, but I promise that even though it is based on certain assumptions, from thereon after each step and conclusion is logically derived.

The dreams that we experience in our nightly lives often involve simple problems, such as being chased by a villain or perhaps trying to discern why we are the only one taking our science exam without any clothes on. While these scenarios may seem inane or even ridiculous, the whole point herein lies in the fact that in a certain sense we can find simple solutions while still in "the dream world." The "solution" to being chased could be to run away and the "solution" to why you're naked in class may be that you forgot to put any clothes on in the morning (the dream morning, of course). As simplistic as the solutions to these problems may seem, the amazing fact lies in that we can in fact solve problems in our dreams! True, we may not always be able to choose which problems we solve in our dreams, but we can in fact solve them.

One way to sneak our way around this particular flaw of not being able to choose lies in the practice of lucid dreaming. For some at least, it is possible to develop the ability to control the act of dreaming. True, it is difficult work, but in many cases it is surely possible to be aware and in full control while dreaming. Therefore, it logically flows that it ought to be possible to choose which problems we attempt to solve while asleep. These problems could hence range from something as simple as counting your fingers to a complex math problem to a grand philosophical mystery.

If this practice is hypothetically plausible, its implications would be absolutely remarkable. Ergo, if the average person sleeps 8 hours per night, and perfects the ability to control the act of problem-solving while dreaming, then theoretically that person could increase his or her conscious lifespan by fifty percent. Great feats could theoretically be accomplished, and great mysteries could be solved. Whether or not this discipline would provide the dreamer with a good night sleep, however, has yet to be determined.