Lucid Dreaming vs Out of Body Experiences (OBE's)

 
Out of body experiences and lucid dreaming is something I have had a deep interest in for numerous years. It was triggered in my early teens after I was left feeling complete amazement and excitement after  believing that I had felt myself 'float' out of my own body and then fly from my bedroom window. Initially I thought it was just the most realistic dream I had ever experienced, one that gave me a true sense of freedom. I couldn't stop thinking about the 'dream' and hoped every night to have another.

This prompted my research into the possibility that it could have been more than just a dream. Since my early teens I have had numerous of these experiences; initially I feel myself  'rise' out of my physical body (sometimes this is just the feeling of floating up towards the ceiling, but more recently I feel myself 'roll' out of my physical body- as if rolling over in bed.) At times I have turned around to see my own sleeping self below me. I then float towards my window and jump from my window ledge- at this point I am terrified that someone will see me and ask what on earth I am doing- but I know I am safe- I know I will not hit the ground.... I know that I can fly. I fly like a bird across the world, I stand on rooftops, I soar above the trees and fields, I feel true freedom like never imagined. The feelings are real true feelings- but is the experience all in  my mind? Has my inner self really left my physical body behind? These are all still questions I do not have the answers to. Are these experiences Lucid dreams or actual out of body experiences? or something in between perhaps.

Research has distinguished numerous differences between lucid dreams and out of body experiences. Lucid dreaming is a term used to describe a dream in which you are aware that you are dreaming. These dreams are usually very vivid and detailed. Once the dreamer has realised that he/she is dreaming then the possibilities are endless- dream control!! With practice the dreamer can change the scene and content of the dream to whatever fantasy they wish. It is said that with lucid dreaming usually the persons physical body is present in the dream itself. WIth lucid dreaming, although an amazing phomomonom it is still a dream- the dreamer is tucked up safely in bed the whole time with no fear of harm to the physical self. 

An OBE is used to describe the occurrence when your astral body leaves the physical body. People who have experience an OBE all seem to feel the same sensation of their astral body leaving their physical body, almost 'like a ghost'. It is said that with OBE's- the astral body is more of an 'observer' than a 'participant' in the experience.

 
I feel that the experiences I have are a combination of the two- I always have the sensation of leaving my body and I can sometimes see my physical body below me. (This being very typical of an OBE) Whilst in this 'state' I usually have interaction with other people and the 'dreams' are extremely vivid and detailed- after I have woken I remember the details of peoples faces and clothing. (this is very typical of lucid dreaming). My experiences occur as I am falling asleep or have not long entered a sleep (research has suggested this is the case when experiencing an OBE) Lucid dreams are more common when the person has entered REM sleep. The very interesting things with my experiences are that they ALL ocured during daytime sleep. Never have I had a 'lucid drem/OBE' during the night. 

I do not know what category my personal experiences fall into- but I do know that I am truly fascinated by this phenomenon and really enjoy the 'dreams' when I am lucky enough to experience them. I would love to hear from any of you that have had similar experiences or anyone who can shed some light on my own experiences or offer me any further information.