Revisiting auditory-triggered reality checks in lucid dream induction: A sleep laboratory study

Lucid dreaming is a state where dreamers know they are dreaming and may control dream content. It offers a model for studying cognition during sleep and potential therapeutic uses, but reliable induction methods remain under investigation. This study combined Tholey's critical reflection technique with an acoustic cue to induce lucid dreams. Participants completed a two-day training on a reality-check task paired with the cue, then spent a night in the lab where the same cue was played during REM sleep. Of 15 participants, one reported a lucid dream meeting strict criteria. Future research should refine the experimental design.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Lucid dreaming refers to a dream state in which the dreamers are aware that they are dreaming and may be able to intentionally influence the dream content. Previous studies have shown that lucid dreaming provides a useful model for investigating cognitive processes during dreaming and may also have potential therapeutic applications. However, reliable methods for inducing lucid dreams are still being explored. Considering the method's accessibility and feasibility, the present study combined the critical reflection technique proposed by Tholey (1983) with an acoustic cue to induce lucid dreams. Participants completed a two-day training program during which they practiced the reality-check task associated with the acoustic cue. Then they spent an experimental night in the lab, and the same acoustic cue was presented during REM sleep. Of 15 participants, one participant reported a lucid dream that fulfilled the strict criteria for lucid dreaming. Future studies could further examine this method by improving the experimental design.