0459 Targeted Dream Incubation to Enhance Creativity and Reduce PTSD Symptoms Using an EEG-Based Software Platform

A new software platform called Arctop Sleep, which uses a mobile app and an EEG headband to detect sleep onset in real time, can induce dreams on pre-selected topics and increase creativity around those topics. In pilot studies with participants experiencing PTSD, serial awakenings and dream reports were successfully recorded, with reports containing direct and metaphorical references to the chosen topic. Participants showed improvement in creativity and resilience related to the topic on post-sleep tasks compared to baseline. The platform is described as comfortable and promising for leveraging targeted dream incubation to enhance cognitive and emotional processing of trauma memories.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Recent studies and anecdotal reports suggest that sleep-onset hypnagogic dreams can contain creative insights, in some cases leading to Nobel prizes. While such reports are rare, targeted dream incubation (TDI) can induce dreams on pre-selected topics, such as “a tree,” in 70% of dream reports collected shortly after sleep onset, as well as a subsequent increase in creativity around the targeted topic. Here we describe a new software platform for TDI and plans to use this platform to increase creativity around topics of concern for individuals suffering from PTSD following the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel. Methods “Arctop Sleep” is a mobile app built on an Application Programming Interface developed by Arctop, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA), that allows communication between the app and an EEG headband. Here we used the dry electrode 4-channel Muse EEG headband (interaXon, Toronto). The app connects wirelessly with the headband, identifies sleep onset in real time, plays a prerecorded message to awaken the user and, once awakened, prompts them to dictate a dream report. Users are then prompted to return to sleep while thinking about the chosen topic. The app produces serial awakening with the user awakening, reporting, and returning to sleep repeatedly, for a 90-minute time interval. Results Early pilot studies have demonstrated successful integration with the EEG headband, with accurate detection of sleep onset in real time (verified by clinically scored PSG). Serial awakenings and dream reports were successfully recorded for participants with PTSD. Analysis of these reports revealed both direct and metaphorical references to the preselected topic. Furthermore, participants showed an improvement in creativity and resilience related to the preselected topic on post-sleep tasks compared to baseline measures. Users reported the process was comfortable, with minimal complaints. Conclusion The Arctop Sleep platform demonstrates promising usability and potential for leveraging targeted dream incubation to enhance creativity around specific topics. This innovative approach has direct applications for individuals experiencing PTSD, and, by fostering constructive engagement with challenging topics in a controlled sleep environment, could facilitate better sleep and more effective cognitive and emotional processing of trauma memories. Support (if any) Support provided by Arctop, Inc.