Mnemonic initiated lucid dream
A Mnemonic Initiated Lucid Dream (MILD) is a dream in which one becomes aware that they are dreaming. They are initiated by falling asleep while performing a mnemonic technique so that the chance of triggering lucidity becomes significantly increased. This induction technique was invented by the psychophysiologist Stephen LaBerge, to aid in his investigation of the lucid dreaming states and the techniques to initiate it.
Requirements
Before this technique can be effective, it is required for the user to have developed adequate dream recall. One can improve one's dream recall by using techniques like performing various reality checks on a daily basis so that they can spontaneously become lucid.
Method
At night, when lying in bed before getting to sleep, one has to continuously repeat some sentences in their mind, to recall them when dreaming. These can be, for example: "The next scene I see will be a dream," "I am currently dreaming," "Next time I am dreaming, I will know it," or "I will have a lucid dream." This exercise has to continue without losing focus until the user feels they are on the verge of falling asleep. Then, one has to imagine a recent (non-lucid) dream and look for some dream sign. Then imagine becoming lucid, and exploring the dreamscape, or doing whatever they intend to.
The most likely outcome is that the user will eventually fall asleep, and their chances of becoming lucid will be much higher throughout the night, and even into the morning. However, the most reliable way of using this technique is waking up during the night, spending 20 minutes awake, and then performing it when going back to sleep.[1] This way, the more vivid morning dreams will have increased subconscious content intended to trigger lucidity.
Another possible result when using MILD is falling asleep without losing awareness, which is another lucid dream-inducing technique called WILD ("Waking Initiated Lucid Dream").