Lucid dreaming of a prior virtual-reality experience with ego-transcendent qualities: A proof-of-concept study

Combining virtual reality (VR) with lucid dreaming—where a person knows they are dreaming—can create more profound experiences than VR alone. In this study, four frequent lucid dreamers experienced a VR simulation called Ripple, which previously reduced self-other boundaries and enhanced feelings of interconnectedness. Afterward, during REM sleep, sounds from Ripple were played quietly. Three participants had lucid dreams about Ripple, and all four reported dreams containing elements of the VR experience. Lucid dreams were validated in real time via physiological signals. The findings confirm that people can have lucid dreams that recapitulate prior VR experiences, suggesting a synergistic benefit for immersive exploration.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The immersive environments of virtual reality (VR) have potential to engender a vast range of experiences. Although participants recognize these experiences as artificial, the consequences can still be profound. Compared to VR, lucid dreams — characterized by awareness that one is dreaming — potentially allow for even more expansive explorations of immersive multisensory experience. Furthermore, lucid dreaming could conceivably enhance the impact of a prior VR experience, producing more profound effects than the VR experience alone. As an initial step along those lines, we attempted to induce lucid dreams about a VR experience called Ripple, with the goal of documenting the impact of the combination. In prior research, Ripple by itself was shown to reduce self-other boundaries and enhance interconnectedness. We recruited four frequent lucid dreamers to experience Ripple on two occasions, followed by an overnight session with sounds from Ripple presented quietly during polysomnographically verified REM sleep. Three participants experienced lucid dreams about Ripple that night, and all four reported dreams containing elements of Ripple. The lucid dreams were validated in real time by physiological signals from the dreamers to indicate their concurrent experience of lucidity in the dream, followed by signals of dreaming about the VR experience. On this basis, we can confirm that it was possible in these circumstances for people to have lucid dreams recapitulating elements of the prior VR experience. Our findings also showcase how the synergistic combination of VR and lucid dreaming could be strongly beneficial.