Lucid dream mathematics: An explorative online study of arithmetic abilities of dream characters
Tadas Stumbrys, Daniel Erlacher, Steffen Schmidt
BORIS (University Library Bern) 2011 DOI: 10.11588/ijodr.2011.1.9079 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Proficient lucid dreamers |
| Topics | Lucid dreaming |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key points | Dream characters answered only about a third of arithmetic tasks correctly, performing no better than primary school children. They were more successful with multiplication and division than with addition and subtraction, and male dream characters in male participants' dreams were most successful. |
Abstract
In dreams we usually interact with other dream characters that seem to talk and behave logically. Lucid dreamers, who are aware that they are dreaming during the dream, can have deliberate conversations with their dream characters and ask them to accomplish specific tasks. Previous studies have shown that dream characters can be creative and ingenious, but they seem to struggle with more logical tasks, such as doing arithmetic. The present pilot study explored arithmetic abilities of dream characters in greater details. Twelve proficient lucid dreamers were instructed to ask dream characters in their lucid dreams to do addition, subtraction, multiplication and division tasks. The findings suggest that dream characters are not outstanding mathematicians: Only about a third of their answers were correct and their arithmetic abilities do not surpass those of primary school children. Surprisingly, dream characters were more successful with multiplication and division tasks than with addition and subtraction. Some gender differences were also observed: Most successful were male dream characters in male participants’ dreams. Findings are discussed and recommendations are made for future studies, preferably conducted in a sleep laboratory, are provided.
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 dreaming of a prior virtual-reality experience with ego-transcendent qualities: a proof-of-concept study. Frequent lucid dreamers | 2025 | Pilot study | n = 4 |
| 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 10
- The Phenomenology of Lucid Dreaming: An Online Survey The American Journal of Psychology April 21, 2014
- Lucid dreaming: discontinuity or continuity in consciousness? University Library Heidelberg 2011
- 'I love you': the first phrase detected from dreams. Sleep Science 2022
- Detecting lucid dreams only by submentalis electromyography. Sleep Medicine December 1, 2021
- Combining Wake-Up-Back-to-Bed with Cognitive Induction Techniques: Does Earlier Sleep Interruption Reduce Lucid Dream Induction Rate? Clocks & Sleep April 20, 2022
and 5 more in the library
Cites 10
- Lucid Dreaming: a State of Consciousness with Features of Both Waking and Non-Lucid Dreaming Sleep September 1, 2009
- Frequency of Lucid Dreaming in a Representative German Sample Perceptual and Motor Skills February 1, 2011
- Psychophysiological correlates of lucid dreaming. Dreaming June 1, 2006
- An exploratory study of creative problem solving in lucid dreams: Preliminary findings and methodological considerations heiDOK (Heidelberg University) 2010
- Recall of a specific word list in lucid dreams – an explorative online study heiDOK (Heidelberg University) 2009
and 5 more in the library