Dreams typically occur when we are in the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep. During this stage, the body is naturally paralyzed (so we don't act out our dreams in real life) and the eyes move under the eyelids, focusing on things seen in the dream. This is a normal process that happens with everyone during sleep.
The REM stage occurs about every 90 minutes and increases in length the longer you sleep. For example, your REM phase at 6 AM will last longer than your REM phase starting at 2:30 AM.
People who want to lucid dream can use this knowledge to advantage. Because your first REM cycle occurs at least an hour after falling asleep, it is suggested that you wake up in the middle of the night after about 4-6 hours of sleep before you lay back down to attempt lucid dreaming. The idea is to wake up right before your body is about to enter an REM cycle or while it's in progress.
In other words, you likely won't be successful at lucid dreaming if you try to do it as soon as you first lay down for bed.
The act of deliberately waking up about 4 hours later and then going back to sleep is called the Wake-Back-to-Bed method.
At this point, you would wake yourself up (you have to actually wake up---so get up and walk around or get a drink or something) , all the while reading a couple pages of a lucid dreaming book, writing in your dream journal or repeating your mantra---doing whatever you must do to get your mind on the lucid dream you want to have.
The amount of time you must stay awake before going back to sleep varies. And the timing of people's REM cycles varies, too. You just have to figure out your personal rhythm.
If you look at the chart, you may understand why it's easier to remember your dreams when it's close to time to wake up. The REM cycle is longer, giving more opportunity for dreaming.
Check out the posts in the Do Black People Lucid Dream? series
Part 1: Lucid Dreaming Basics
Part 2: Reality Checks and Awareness
Part 3: Keeping a Dream Journal
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