The recent breakthrough in sleep science, particularly the identification of the melatonin receptor MT1 as a crucial regulator of REM sleep, heralds promising new treatments for sleep disorders and related neuropsychiatric conditions.
Lucid dreams occur when the sleeper is aware that they are in a dream and can exercise some control over their environment. Image internet
Have you ever wished to communicate with someone else while dreaming? Researchers at REM space have made this a reality by facilitating real-time communication between two individuals during a lucid dream, achieving the first-ever conversation within a dream state. This feat was achieved with a device specifically engineered to transmit a word to the initial participant through earphones during a lucid dream. The participant then echoed the word in their dream, and this reaction was recorded and preserved on a server. The word was subsequently transmitted to a second participant in a similar state. Upon awakening, the initial participant verified the accurate transmission of the word, confirming the exchange was successful. This achievement showcases the potential for direct communication within dreams, marking a significant advancement in dream research. It expands the boundaries of what is possible during sleep and illuminates how the brain processes external stimuli while in a state of lucid dreaming. The study’s demonstration that two individuals can interact within a dream signifies a major advancement in comprehending the complexities of human consciousness. As research continues, we might discover even more remarkable methods to unravel the enigmas of the dreaming mind and establish communication that transcends our waking reality.
Scientists have brought science fiction one step closer to reality by achieving the first two-way communication between individuals during lucid dreaming.
In an experiment reminiscent of a scene from ‘Inception,’ REM space, a California-based startup focused on enhancing sleep and lucid dreaming, has reportedly facilitated the exchange of a message between two sleeping individuals.
The company used ‘specially designed equipment’ which included a ‘server,’ an ‘apparatus,’ ‘Wifi’ and ‘sensors,’ but did not specify the exact technology they used.
The study participants were asleep in separate homes when REM space researchers beamed a word created through a unique language between them.
Lucid Dreaming Study Records First-Ever Two-Way Communication During Sleep
The breakthrough recording took place on September 24, which was the result of almost five years of rigorous research. Not only are these findings unprecedented, but REM space founder and CEO Michel Raduga says they could also unlock the potential of dreams as a platform for human communication.
«Yesterday, communicating in dreams seemed like science fiction,» says Raduga. «Tomorrow, it will be so common we won’t be able to imagine our lives without this technology.»
For the first time, a study by a neurotechnology firm in California has documented two-way communication between individuals in a state of lucid dreaming. The pioneering research, carried out by REM space, utilized specialized tracking equipment to record a simple exchange of messages between two people during their lucid dreams.
Key takeaways from study:
- The study documents the unprecedented two-way communication between individuals during lucid dreaming for the first time.
- Dreams may function as a platform for human communication.
- Real-time communication during lucid dreams might be feasible as well.
The landmark study has achieved a historic milestone by demonstrating that communication between individuals during lucid dreaming is possible. This opens up the potential for dreams to serve as a platform for human communication. Raduga is confident that this will lead to numerous commercial applications. «We are convinced that REM sleep and associated phenomena, such as lucid dreams, will become the next major industry following AI,» states Raduga.
What is lucid dreaming?
According to studies, Lucid dreaming is an extraordinary phenomenon where one becomes conscious of dreaming. During a lucid dream, one stays physiologically asleep yet is aware of the vividly realistic dream world. This awareness also grants the ability to deliberately control actions within the dream. Lucid dreaming typically occurs during the REM sleep stage.
Two-way communication during lucid dreaming
The REM space study took place on September 24, 2024, conducted in the participants’ own homes. During their sleep, a specialized device remotely monitored their brain waves and collected polysomnographic data.
When the equipment detected a participant entering a lucid dream, it transmitted a word in Remmyo—an artificial dream language detectable by sensitive sensors—through earbuds to the participant. The participant then repeated the word within the dream, which was recorded and relayed to another participant as they began a lucid dream. Upon waking, she verified the message, signifying the first successful exchange of a message in dreams.
Thanks to the unique psychological potential of lucid dreams, Raduga believes that this breakthrough could lead to more research into the benefits of lucid dreaming for waking life.
For instance, as lucid dreams are so lifelike, the scenarios people face in lucid dreams could help them deal with similar scenarios when they occur in real life in real life. «It aids in reducing nightmares, tackling phobias, overcoming personal insecurities, waking up feeling more refreshed, and more,» Raduga tells us. «When individuals become accustomed to confronting a phobia in a lucid dream, the benefits often extend into their waking life.»
The CEO adds: «The same principle applies to skill development. Research indicates that the brain perceives little difference between practicing motor or cognitive skills in a lucid dream and doing so while awake. Since the physical world imposes many constraints, it can be challenging to master complex skills. In lucid dreams, however, those limitations do not exist.
«Communication within dreams — whether between individuals or between individuals and digital systems—has the potential to enhance control over these processes. For instance, one could have a guide or instructor in a lucid dream to assist them.»
Dreams will become a place for communication image internet
How dreams will become a place for communication
Due to the success of the study, Raduga concludes it’s only a matter of time before communicating with each other or smart home devices while lucid dreaming becomes commonplace. He tells Tom’s Guide that the first commercial devices for dream communication will be available next year, though only a small segment of the population will have access to them initially.
«Each year, this technology will improve, making it easier for people to initiate lucid dreams and communicate within them,» he explains. «Between 2030 and 2035, these devices will likely become as common and essential as smartphones.»