Lucid dreaming of a prior virtual-reality experience with ego-transcendent qualities: a proof-of-concept study.
Daniel J Morris, D Blaise Elliott, Susana Gabriela Torres-Platas, Justin Wall, Ema Demšar, Karen R Konkoly, Emily Rosman, Marcia Grabowecky, David R. Glowacki, Ken A Paller
Neuroscience of Consciousness 2025 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niaf017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Frequent lucid dreamers |
| Duration | Overnight session with sounds from Ripple presented during REM sleep |
| Topics | Dreaming Lucid dreaming |
| Keywords | Embodiment Metacognition Self Sleep and dreaming |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Three of four frequent lucid dreamers had lucid dreams recapitulating elements of a prior VR experience, validated by real-time physiological signals. |
Abstract
The immersive environments of virtual reality (VR) have potential to engender a vast range of experiences. Although participants recognize these experiences as artificial, the consequences can still be profound. Compared to VR, lucid dreams-characterized by awareness that one is dreaming-potentially allow for even more expansive explorations of immersive multisensory experience. Furthermore, lucid dreaming could conceivably enhance the impact of a prior VR experience, producing more profound effects than the VR experience alone. As an initial step along those lines, we attempted to induce lucid dreams about a VR experience called Ripple, with the goal of documenting the impact of the combination. In prior research, Ripple by itself was shown to reduce self-other boundaries and enhance interconnectedness. We recruited four frequent lucid dreamers to experience Ripple on two occasions, followed by an overnight session with sounds from Ripple presented quietly during polysomnographically verified rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Three participants experienced lucid dreams about Ripple that night, and all four reported dreams containing elements of Ripple. The lucid dreams were validated in real time by physiological signals from the dreamers to indicate their concurrent experience of lucidity in the dream, followed by signals of dreaming about the VR experience. On this basis, we can confirm that it was possible in these circumstances for people to have lucid dreams recapitulating elements of the prior VR experience. Our findings also showcase how the synergistic combination of VR and lucid dreaming could be strongly beneficial.
Comparable studies
Other non-randomized and open-label trials on lucid dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicing a Motor Task in a Lucid Dream Enhances Subsequent Performance: A Pilot Study Volunteers assigned to lucid dream practice, physical practice, or control groups | 2010 | Pilot study | n = 40 |
| Cognitions in Sleep: Lucid Dreaming as an Intervention for Nightmares in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Patients suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 2020 | Pre-post intervention study | |
| Managing Insomnia Using Lucid Dreaming Training: A Pilot Study. Adults with Insomnia Disorder | 2021 | Open-label trial | n = 48 |
| Lucid dream mathematics: An explorative online study of arithmetic abilities of dream characters Proficient lucid dreamers | 2011 | Pilot study | n = 12 |
| Targeted dream incubation at sleep onset can influence later dream content in REM sleep: a pilot study Participants undergoing a daytime nap following TDI at sleep onset | 2026 | Pilot study | n = 11 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Using Real-time Reporting to Investigate Visual Experiences in Dreams Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience September 30, 2025
- Inducing Lucid Dreaming Based on a Contemplative Practice of Compassion Brain Sciences March 16, 2026
- Posthuman Sociality of AI-Simulacrum Galactica Media: Journal of Media Studies August 3, 2026
- Investigating dreams by strategically presenting sounds during REM sleep to reactivate waking experiences. Neuropsychologia October 10, 2025
Cites 25
- Self unbound: ego dissolution in psychedelic experience Neuroscience of Consciousness 2017
- Lucid Dreaming Verified by Volitional Communication during Rem Sleep Perceptual and Motor Skills June 1, 1981
- Psychedelic Communitas: Intersubjective Experience During Psychedelic Group Sessions Predicts Enduring Changes in Psychological Wellbeing and Social Connectedness. Frontiers in Pharmacology March 25, 2021
- The cognitive neuroscience of lucid dreaming Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews March 14, 2019
- Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. Current Biology April 12, 2021
and 20 more in the library