New research suggests people can communicate and practice skills while dreaming (newyorker.com)

Article summary

New research suggests that people can communicate and practice skills while dreaming, with studies showing that lucid dreamers can solve puzzles and learn new information during sleep. The current wave of sleep-learning research began in 2007, with experiments using targeted memory reactivation to help people remember locations and objects. However, some experts warn against trying to harness the sleeping mind, citing the potential downsides of interfering with an essential and mysterious process. Sleep-learning research has shown promise, but its limitations and potential applications are still being explored.

Main themes

• sleep-learning
• lucid dreaming
• targeted memory reactivation
• subconscious mind
• reality checks
• dream control
• sleep science
• cognitive neuroscience

What commenters say

• Lucid dreaming can be achieved through practice and techniques such as reality checks, but it may not be possible for everyone.
• The ability to control dreams can be limiting, making the dream world less surprising and dynamic.
• Some people find that lucid dreaming becomes boring once they gain control over their dreams, while others enjoy the freedom to explore and create.
• There is skepticism about the effectiveness of devices claiming to induce lucid dreaming, with some considering them to be vaporware.
• Consistent lucid dreaming can be achieved through methods such as wake-back-to-bed and meditation, but it requires dedication and patience.
• The subconscious mind plays a significant role in lucid dreaming, and its autonomy can be both creative and limiting.
• Reality checks, such as pinching one's nose or checking clocks, can help induce lucid dreaming, but they may not be reliable for everyone.
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of sleep-learning and lucid dreaming are still being debated, with some experts warning against interfering with the natural sleep process.