The method of dialogue with the sleeping subject in the state of lucid dream, using respiratory movements
A.Yu. Mironov, A.V. Sinin, V.B. Dorokhov
SOCIALNO-ECOLOGICHESKIE TECHNOLOGII 2018 DOI: 10.31862/2500-2966-2018-2-83-107 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Lucid dreaming |
| Key points | Bidirectional communication with a person in a lucid dream is possible using audio-presented arithmetic tasks and respiratory or eye-movement responses. |
Abstract
In research of lucid dreams (LD), an altered state of consciousness that occurs during the REM sleep stage, the task of LD identification is normally solved with a unidirectional communication method. An experimental subject, while sleeping, signals about his/hers state by performing a series of eye movements. We have developed a new alternative method that allows for bidirectional information exchange (dialogue) between the researcher and the sleeping subject. A researcher was presenting the arithmetic tasks via audio playback. The subject analyzed the received instruction and used respiratory activity (fast series of breathing movements) or eye movements as signals to answer. Pilot series of experiments have verified the ability of the subject to maintain the dialogue and correctly execute the instructions without waking up. This indicates the subject’s sensitivity in regards to external auditory stimuli and the ability to consciously process them in the state of LD. This is the first reported method of bidirectional communication with a person in the state of LD to date, which expands the possibilities for the objective investigation of this altered state of consciousness. We also report our modification of the sleeping subject/researcher dialogue method that is currently under development. It utilizes smartphone sensors and allows conducting the experiment in remote mode via the Internet, which makes it possible to engage a broad circle of lucid dreaming enthusiasts who practice at home.
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 |
| Lucid dreaming of a prior virtual-reality experience with ego-transcendent qualities: a proof-of-concept study. Frequent lucid dreamers | 2025 | Pilot study | n = 4 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Real-time dialogue between experimenters and dreamers during REM sleep. Current Biology April 12, 2021
- 'I love you': the first phrase detected from dreams. Sleep Science 2022
- Detecting lucid dreams only by submentalis electromyography. Sleep Medicine December 1, 2021
- Using Real-time Reporting to Investigate Visual Experiences in Dreams Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience September 30, 2025
- A way to operate a smart home from lucid dreams PsyArXiv March 25, 2024
and 1 more in the library