Two-way control of a virtual avatar from lucid dreams
Michael Raduga, Andrey Shashkov
PsyArXiv January 26, 2024 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/xzmwh (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 5 |
| Population | Five experienced lucid dream practitioners |
| Duration | One to four nights in the laboratory |
| Measures | Polysomnographic lucid dream verification (pre-agreed eye signals) |
| Topics | Lucid dreaming |
| Key findings | Participants induced 18 confirmed lucid dreams across one to four laboratory nights, and in 12 of these they successfully drove a virtual car, avoided obstacles, or both. The authors argue this demonstrates a feasible method for controlling a computer program via feedback from lucid dreams, and suggest such two-way communication could enable new research and applications. |
Abstract
Objective. In lucid dreams (LDs), it is possible to maintain consciousness and achieve predetermined goals while in REM sleep. Since the 1980s, scientists have been searching for LD application areas. The current study is the first to demonstrate a method for controlling a car avatar with feedback from LDs. Support for this possibility could be used for personal applications and LD studies. Method. Five experienced LD practitioners participated in the present study. Electromyographical (EMG) sensors were used to detect leg and arm muscle movements, and red diodes were put in front of participants’ eyes to indicate obstacles. Software converted EMG impulses into movements of a virtual car, which was chosen as the avatar. The study was conducted under laboratory conditions with polysomnographic LD verification (pre-agreed eye signals were recorded during REM sleep).Results. The participants spent one to four nights in the laboratory and induced 18 confirmed LDs. In 12 LDs, they drove a virtual car, successfully avoided obstacles, or both. All results were observed in real-time and recorded by the research team.Discussion. The results show an achievable way to control the functions of a computer program with feedback from LDs. In theory, many more options for controlling and feedback besides EMG sensors and diodes could be used. With development, all these technologies could help control more sophisticated objects in virtual and physical realms. The two-way communication from LDs with computers observed in this study could facilitate new studies because people could correct the settings and functions of devices by themselves from LDs. This would also foster communication between people while asleep.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on lucid dreaming, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid Dreaming as a Learnable Skill: A Case Study The author | 1980 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Lucid Dreaming as a Treatment for Recurrent Nightmares People with recurrent nightmares | 2010 | Case study | n = 5 |
| Lucid dreaming: Correspondence between dreamed and actual events in one subject during rem sleep A lucid dreamer | 1984 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Lucid dreaming treatment for nightmares: A series of cases. Participants with nightmares | 2003 | Case series | n = 8 |
| Nightmares in the Context of PTSD Treated with Psychoeducation Regarding Lucid Dreaming 39-year-old male with a history of suicide attempts and psychiatric admissions | 2010 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cites 25
- Neural Correlates of Dream Lucidity Obtained from Contrasting Lucid versus Non-Lucid REM Sleep: A Combined EEG/fMRI Case Study Sleep June 29, 2012
- Lucid Dreaming Verified by Volitional Communication during Rem Sleep Perceptual and Motor Skills June 1, 1981
- 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
- Lucid Dreaming as a Learnable Skill: A Case Study Perceptual and Motor Skills December 1, 1980
and 20 more in the library