By setting the intention, I seem to be able to remain conscious through dreamless sleep.
I explored this twenty or more years ago, and found it slightly interesting, although also quite boring.
The consciousness I am remains aware of itself, and yet there is no content of experience – apart from consciousness itself. No time, no dreams, no nothing.
It’s one of many reminders of my nature as this awake space. It’s also a reminder of how amazing this life is, with all its fascinating and always changing content.
I took that with me, and yet – for this human self – it didn’t seem interesting enough to pursue.
I assume that as we become more used to noticing what we are – this awake space that forms itself into this whole field of experience – it’s easier, and even natural, for the consciousness we are to notice itself even when there is no particular content of experience, in dreamless sleep. And, in my case, it seems to depend on intention. It’s there with that intention, and not if the intention goes the other way.