Research
Knowledge is gained through science so research plays a critical role at our organization.
Overall, our aim is studying the induction of lucid dreams and any associated risks/benefits.
To accomplish this research, we utilize an empirical approach which means we use evidence
and scientific principles when drawing our conclusions.
Our organization has Core Values of Accessibility and Transparency. Accordingly, all of our research results are published in scientific journals without access fees and our analysis code, as well as anonymized data, are deposited in public online repositories.
Broad Focus
INDUCTION
Science has found many ways to induce lucid dreaming. We want to push towards further progress in this area by developing induction strategies that are more reliable and more accessible to everyone, particularly by accounting for individual differences.
APPLICATION
Lucid dreaming demonstrates therapeutic potential for several different conditions. We aim to better understand these applications of lucid dreaming, especially the reduction of chronic pain and PTSD symptoms, in addition to possible improvements in overall well-being.
IMPACT
Learning how to lucid dream seems to be increasingly popular. We aim to identify societal interest and its impact by investigating the desire to lucid dream, the perception of lucid dreaming, and any risks associated with varied practices of lucid dreaming - individually and on a larger scale.
Therapeutic Focus
CHRONIC PAIN
Approximately 1 in 5 people struggle with chronic pain. This condition can lead to an increased probability of mental health issues and a decreased quality of life. Lucid dreaming might be able to provide some relief through the mind-body connection.
NIGHTMARES
Frequent nightmares are associated with many different conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Lucid dreaming can help alleviate nightmare distress through recognition of dream-like scenarios along with increased access to changing the dream narrative.
WELL-BEING
Health is more than lack of an illness. Well-being includes the presence of positive emotion (e.g. happiness) along with the absence of negative emotion (e.g. anxiety & depression). Lucid dreaming might be able to enhance well-being through increased regulation of these emotions as well as other avenues.
STUDY PLANS
Study #1: Time course of the lucid dream experience
When does a dream turn into lucid dream and what happens afterwards? This study will address these questions by analyzing data from lucid dream reports. In particular, the timing of dream lucidity will be compared to the aspects of dream control and positive/negative emotion. Data from this study will help us understand more precisely how lucidity in a dream changes the direction of the overall experience.
ESTIMATED END DATE: April 2024
Study #2: Reality monitoring & state test reliability
A reality monitoring error occurs when a person confuses their current waking state for a dream. Dream-reality confusion occurs when a person cannot determine whether a past experience occurred during the waking state or the dreaming state. In this study, we will be comparing these two experiences to lucid dream frequency and various methods of state tests to better understand which are most reliable.
ESTIMATED END DATE: August 2025
Study #3: Education factors in learning lucid dreaming
We will be investigating the different ways people learn about lucid dreaming, including self-study courses, group workshops, 1-on-1 instruction, as well as other formats. This study will also examine which practices people use to induce lucid dreaming and how often they have the experience. This data will help us understand what strategies are most effective at inducing lucid dreams for various individuals.