When people fall asleep in a lab, they often dream about elements of it, such as the equipment, the scientists, and the environment. Emma Peters—a long-time researcher of lucid dreams from Switzerland—suggested that this “lab dreaming” effect could be used to induce lucidity in a phase state.
The author conducted an experiment in which a virtual reality sleep lab was created in VR. The participants familiarized themselves with the virtual space and practiced reality checks. The people were divided into three groups: the first slept in a real lab after a week of training in techniques. The second group completed a 10-minute VR training session before a daytime nap. The third group received VR training as well as tactile stimulation with vibration, which was then repeated during sleep to remind them to perform a reality check.
Early results showed that “lab dreaming” may play a more important role in achieving lucidity than previously thought. Researchers are continuing work on a larger project combining VR and sensory cues to fully unlock the potential of virtual spaces to aid lucid dream induction.
Do you have a particular dream plot in which you usually become lucid?
The report was presented in June 2025 at the 42nd Annual Conference of the International Association for the Study of Dreams.
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