Abstract
Abstract Introduction Dreams are emblematic of human sleep, but they have yet to be adequately explained. In part, this is due to the limited options available for peering into dream experiences. Mapping neural measures onto dreams is problematic when those dreams are recounted after waking. Retrospective dream reports are subject to distortion and rapid forgetting. Methods Here, we describe a method to overcome these obstacles through two-way communication between dreamers and experimenters. To demonstrate proof-of-concept, we presented softly spoken math problems to participants during lucid REM sleep, and they provided answers using covert physiological signals such as eye movements. We confirmed REM sleep using standard polysomnographic methods. Results Thus far, 3 out of 8 participants who had lucid dreams correctly answered problems during REM sleep. Conclusion Results document that sleeping individuals can have sufficient abilities for veridical perceptual analysis, maintaining information, computing simple answers using working memory, and expressing volitional replies. Dreamers can thus be capable of interacting and exchanging information with other individuals. In this way, the mental content experienced by the dreamer can be interrogated to characterize the phenomenological experiences and cognitive abilities of dreaming. Support Mind Science Foundation, National Science Foundation
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